CORMICK TALKS YOU AND I

Returning from London’s West End, award winning musical theatre star Michael Cormick reunites with his leading lady Rachael Beck, in what will be a powerhouse two-night only performance at the Whitehorse Centre this week.

Cormick and Beck are the original stars of Beauty and the Beast and they reunite for the first time in 15 years, bringing their wit, charm and stage presence to the Whitehorse Centre stage. Singing hits and highlights from musicals such as Chess, The Phantom of Opera, Les Misérables, Blood Brothers and Chicago, Michael and Rachael will be accompanied by David Cameron on piano.

Before they hit the stage, we had a quick chat to Michael Cormick about reuniting with Rachael, their journey together and finally getting the chance to put on this show.

”This is something we have been wanting to do for many years. Finally, the time is right,” he said.

“It feels Amazing! Rachael and I have a very special connection. We are born on the same day eight years apart (of course she is the elder). We just get each other, both on and off stage.I am also Godfather to her daughters Talulah and Roxie”.

Michael Cormick and Rachael Beck

Cormick is a well-known performer, having most recently played the title role in The Phantom of the Opera for Free Rain Theatre and played Daddy Warbucks in Annie The Musical in Australia. He’s been the lead in many a musical, including: Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Time, Into the Woods, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Falsettos, Tivoli, Grease and The Beast in Beauty and the Beast (for which he received a MO Award).

Beck is equally as impressive, starring recently as Truly Scrumptious in TML Enterprises’ national production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and toured alongside David Hobson in their show Both Sides.

Her theatre credits include Eureka for Essgee Entertainment, directed by Gale Edwards; Sally Bowles in IMG’s Cabaret, directed by Sam Mendes; Kathy Selden in Singing in the Rain directed by David Atkins, earning her a Mo Award nomination and Maria in The Gordon/Frost Organization/SEL production of The Sound of Music.

Her outstanding credits include her Green Award-nominated performance as Fantine in Les Miserables and Rumpleteaser in Cats, both produced by Cameron Mackintosh, and has a swag of theatre credits from STC, The Production Company and numerous Australian and New Zealand tours.

Of course, she is widely remembered for her award-winning role as Belle in Beauty and the Beast, which won the 1996 ARIA Award for the Best Australian Soundtrack/Cast/Show Release.

“When we worked on Beauty and the Beast we had just met. It was love at first sight. Since then, our relationship has grown stronger. We have been constant in each other’s lives for the past 20 years”, said Cormick.

“I love our show. And I love the fact that we get to play 10 different characters each. We feature small vignettes from shows, focusing on the relationships within each of these. Next to Normal is one of them. Although not well known to many people, it is powerful and interesting”

They’re both so busy, and live in different states but still, the show has come together.

“Rehearsal has been spasmodic. We have had to fit it in wherever and whenever!”

For Cormick, he’s most looking forward to getting an emotional response from the audience, to the songs and the show’s content.

“The show is quite moving at times. Along with being funny and Heartfelt. A bit of a roller coaster” he said.

For two nights only, catch Cormick and Beck at the Whitehorse Centre. Tickets and more info at: http://www.whitehorsecentre.com.au/you-and-i.html

This article first appeared at: http://www.theatrepeople.com.au/cormick-talks-you-and-i/ on 30 June 2017