The Songs of Cy Coleman hits Melbourne this week. We chat to cast member Meg Hoult

Flourish Productions will present Cy by Cy by Cy: The Songs of Cy Coleman, the latest in their “Songs Of” series, in Melbourne for 3 shows only this Sunday and Monday.

A five-time Tony award winning composer Cy Coleman is best known for his work on shows including Sweet Charity, City of Angels, On the Twentieth Century, Barnum and The Life. He has also penned many hit songs for artists including Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, such as “The Best is Yet to Come”.

Musically Directed by Lucy O’Brien and Directed by Scott Hendry the show will feature Henry Brett, Hollie James, Luigi Lucente (Wicked, Jersey Boys) Nicole Melloy (Legally Blonde, Rocky Horror), Stephen Wheat (Georgy Girl, Legally Blonde) and Meg Hoult (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Eurobeat).

We sat down with cast member Meg Hoult to ask her a few questions about the upcoming production and what audiences can look forward to:

Unlike other song cycles, this one wasn’t pre existing. How did Cy by Cy by Cy come about?

MEG: Flourish Productions is basically a one-woman show – namely the inspiring Catherine Langley who set up the company to provide an avenue for up and coming (as well as established Musical Theatre performers!) to hone their craft and receive exposure for their work, thus allowing them to ‘flourish’. It was her concept to present these ‘song cycles’ showcasing the work of a variety of acclaimed musical theatre composers.

Our Director Scott Hendry was largely responsible for this particular concert and together, they have done a brilliant job of choosing the songs and crafting them into a really interesting 2-part show that I think flows really well and will be very interesting for the audience to watch.

Cy Coleman has written some notoriously complicated music, how has the company approached rehearsing these in a relatively short rehearsal period?

MEG: The harmonies are definitely complicated at times (not to mention discordant) but our wonderful MD Lucy O’Brien was incredibly clever and patient in arranging and teaching the group numbers so although they were tricky at first, they feel surprisingly easy now. Not to mention working with some other very talented and hard-working singers who just nail their harmonies which makes things easier too!

What is it highlight of the show for you as a performer?

MEG: My favourite moment I am in would have to be “My Body” from The Life – such a hot song and I didn’t know this show at all before rehearsals – it’s great getting to sing some raunchy/gutsy stuff that I don’t normally get to do!

What is your favourite moment from the show that you are not involved in?

MEG: My favourite moment I’m not in would have to be when the exquisitely talented Henry Brett sings “I’ve Got Your Number”… that guy’s voice seriously makes you MELT! I’ve told him that if he has a crush on anyone, he has to get them to come along to the show because he will win their heart!

What do you think is the best thing about these sort of shows as a performer and for the industry?

MEG: Personally, I have found this show extremely rewarding to be involved in. It’s always very inspiring to work with enthusiastic and passionate performers & creatives who all go above & beyond. There’s nothing better than singing kick ass songs and beautiful harmonies and I’m excited to perform at a venue as iconic as Bennetts Lane… anyone who’s anyone has sung there… even Prince! I guess for the industry, it creates opportunities for performers to get up and sing great material in front of an audience and to showcase a broad range of styles (which you don’t always get the opportunity to do when playing a role in a musical).

Meg Hoult

After landing the role of Belle in a UK pantomime production of Beauty & the Beast whilst travelling in her early 20’s, Meg decided to follow her dream and pursue a career in acting. She returned to Melbourne to study at the National Theatre Drama School and went on to complete her Bachelor of Arts (Drama) at Monash University.

Since then she has enjoyed a widespread and varied career ranging from being a stunt-woman in Japan, to singing on a cruise-ship around the South Pacific, hosting live shows for the Wiggles and understudying Marina Prior in Harp On The Willow.

After spending the last few years touring around Australia as a swing performer in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (TML Productions) and Motherhood the Musical (HIT Productions), Meg is thrilled to be back in Melbourne and always looking for performing opportunities that won’t require her to pack a suitcase! 

Cy by Cy by Cy: The Songs of Cy Coleman

Sunday, 22 Nov – 4pm & 8pm
Monday 23 Nov – 8pm

Bennetts Lane Jazz Club
25 Bennetts Lane
Melbourne

Tickets: $25-$30
BOOK NOW: Bennettslane.com