“IT’S wonderful to be busy,” Joe Kalou quips.
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The Central Coast performer is in rehearsal for two big musicals. And he’s loving it.
Kalou has scored the prized role of Benny in the new Australian production of the Tony Award-winning musical In The Heights.
The show will play at The Sydney Opera House from January 16, but not before it premieres at Wyong, at The Art House, with four performances from January 10 to 12.
He’s also playing the title role in Riverside Theatre’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar, in Parramatta, in February.
Kalou said Australian audiences are going to love In The Heights.
“This show is a newer musical,” he said.
“It’s got a bit of hip-hop in there, a bit of rap, and also a lot of vibey dancing and exciting singing, as well.”
In The Heights is from America's hottest new musical mastermind, Lin-Manuel Miranda (Moana and Hamilton).
It takes audiences on a journey into the lives of the residents of Washington Heights – a New York City neighbourhood on the brink of change.
“I play Benny who is a really happy and career-driven guy,” Kalou said.
“In his community everyone is Latino, but he’s African American. He’s hungry and he’s raring to go.
“It’s a show you’ll fall in love with, and a show that will very pleasantly surprise you.
“It’s a little bit of a twist on musical theatre, but without losing the authenticity.”
Kalou is also excited to be playing Jesus in Superstar – a show he heard so much about from Australia’s original Judas, the late Jon English.
Kalou toured for many years as a vocalist, guitarist and flautist in English’s The Rock Show, Rock Show More and Rock Revolution.
“When I was on tour with Jon we’d talk about his career and he’d tell me how great Superstar was. It’s one of those shows that’s epic,” he said.
“I used to talk to Jon and tell him I wanted to be a part of it, and to experience what he did, and he’d say: ‘It’s only a matter of time, mate’.”
Coast connection
BOOSTING the Central Coast’s connection to the new production of In The Heights is Narara’s Amy Campbell, the show’s choreographer.
Campbell is one of Australia’s most accomplished dancers and choreographers, with a long CV and a string of awards.
Campbell’s theatre credits include dance captain and role cover in the Australian tour of Dirty Dancing, Fame The Musical, Saturday Night Fever, the world premiere of King Kong Live on Stage, principal dancer in Opera Australia’s Carmen and most recently the resident choreographer of The Bodyguard musical in Australia.
She’s made a stack of appearances on television, both in commercials and on shows such as So You Think You Can Dance Australia (Season 2), and the TV Week Logie Awards
Campbell has also performed domestically and internationally, dancing alongside Kylie Minogue, Flo Rida, Redfoo, Tina Arena, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Sam Sparro and Sam and The Womp.
In The Heights will be performed at The Art House, Wyong, on Thursday, January 10, at 7.30pm; on Friday, January 11, at 7.30pm; and on Saturday, January 12, at 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets start at $40.
Book at thearthouse.com.au.
