Behind the Scenes with Izaak Lea
Luiz - The Gondoliers
Tell me about your character in The Gondoliers. What do you think of them? Do you have anything in common?
Luiz, is “The Graces' private drum” or page boy, you could say, always trying to meet the Duke of Plaza Toro’s demands and whims. I feel he does a good job considering his situation.
I like trying to help people so I feel that we have that in common.
What role would you love to play that you haven’t had a chance to as yet?
I would really love to play one of the gondoliers as they are the main characters of the opera.
Who’s the funniest person in the cast?
Tim (Wilson) the musical director has a way with music and finds many links to other songs based on text he hears in rehearsal.
Izaak Lea, Luiz - The Gondoliers
Who in the show is most like the character they play?
Both gondoliers seem like they have a way with the ladies so that matches their roles perfectly!
What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
Learning all the quintet sections with the ducal party, as the songs are quite wordy.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favourite line from the show?
'I can imitate a farmyard.'
If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be?
Marco.
"I want to try to make it as an opera singer and make my debut overseas."
What do you aspire to in regards to your career?
I want to try to make it as an opera singer and make my debut overseas.
When did you first perform?
Originally on trumpet in Year 7 at the local eisteddfod. I didn't perform as a singer until I was 19 at the local Bendigo Eisteddfod.
Who do you look up to (as an actor/director/etc.)?
Bryn Terfel and Teddy Tahu Rhodes, they are monsters in the singing world and they are my role models.
When you have a five-minute break during rehearsal, what do you spend that time doing?
Chatting to the fellow cast members or looking over my singing parts.
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
I am in my second year studying Classical Voice at Monash University. Lots of practice and working to fill out my time.
The Gondoliers
GSOV presents The Gondoliers: one of William S Gilbert's & Arthur Sullivan's most entertaining and enduring collaborations, filled with toe-tapping tunes, fantastic dancing and romance aplenty in a far off sunny isle.
GSOV's latest production is a timely and witty reflection on the values of Monarchy and Republicanism and features seasoned performers from the worlds of opera, musical theatre and classic dance. A standout show from a much loved and venerable organisation, an effervescent event not to be missed!
