Behind the Scenes with Sarah Cossey
Choreographer - The Gondoliers
Tell me about your creative role in The Gondoliers, what drew you to be involved in this production?
As the choreographer, I am in charge of all the fun and exciting parts (don't tell that to the Director!), and I am also involved in the overall staging of the chorus. I love playing with shapes and motions to create energy on stage, and this can help tell the overall story. The Gondoliers is my second production with Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria as a choreographer, following many years performing in dance companies across Australia, and touring internationally.
What sort of person is going to love this show?
Anyone who loves music theatre, who enjoys big music, big characters, and big scenes!
What's challenging about bringing this script/ music to life?
The content of this show is amazing (plot, music, characters etc.); it's just organizing the forty or so cast members on stage in an effective way that enhances the story telling which is the challenge in this production.
Sarah Cossey, Choreographer - The Gondoliers
What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?
Hopefully 'WOW'! And also 'I wish I was part of that', or even 'I need to see that again!'
How is this production bringing something new to Gilbert & Sullivan?
There is A LOT of dancing! Really cool cast, lots and lots of youthful energy!
What's going to surprise people about this show?
The scenery is sensational and so is the choreography (I must say, haha). I think people will be pleasantly surprised by the high quality entertainment value of this sensational show, and this particular rejuvenating production.
Who's the funniest person in the cast?
Probably Luke Belle, and in second place Michael Dimovski, whose gondolieri antics (and especially their beautiful ballroom dancing) will ensure stitches from the audience.
Who in the show is most like the character they play?
Probably Kim Colman as Casilda - beautiful and classy as always.
Who is least like their character?
Kristen Ryan is certainly not as dippy as her character portrays her!
"I love playing with shapes and motions to create energy on stage..."
Without giving anything away, what's your favourite line from the show?
"It's not enough gentleman, it's just not enough!" *insert tantrum here*
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Active, creative and inspiring - so I became a teacher.
What's your favourite stage show?
Les Miserables.
Who do you look up to (as a director/ musical director/ choreographer etc.)?
Adrian Glaubert (our director) commits everything to this show and is so utterly passionate about it that he is thinking about it all the time. He has really found his calling and I hope he has many more opportunities (to direct future productions). I am also super impressed with the Marketing Team and their innovative and active responses!
When you have a five-minute break during rehearsal, what do you spend that time doing?
Eating...
What do you do when you're not doing theatre?
Teaching high school Performing Arts, and History; playing piano for the Regional Chamber Ballet; and dancing with Lehenda Ukrainian Dance Company.
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!
