Anastasia the Musical || Rhonda Burchmore

The Fame Reporter interviewed legend of Australian musical theatre, Rhonda Burchmore. She is currently starring as the Countess Lily in the Tony Award nominated musical, Anastasia The Musical. Playing at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in Brisbane from 16 September until 25 October after its successful Australian tour.

We talked to Rhonda about what drew her to the character of Countess Lily in this big Broadway show, her past roles, what she loves about cabaret, how enchanting Anastasia has been for generations and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Rhonda, Countess Lily is bold, glamorous, and deliciously witty — what drew you to her at this stage of your career?
Countess Lily is a wonderful character with many different sides to her – the lady in waiting to the incredible Nancy Hayes, the Lily that loves to party with all her ExPats from Russia in Paris, and the former lover of Vlad.

It is a wonderful acting role for me, and I get to build out some incredible songs and dance numbers.

From Hot Shoe Shuffle and Mamma Mia! to Hairspray and Sister Act, you’ve played some truly iconic roles — where does Lily sit among your most memorable characters?
Lily will certainly remain one of my favourite roles. It’s wonderful to be singing and dancing and acting in such a wonderful role and get thrown up in the air by gorgeous men as well as Cossack dancing at my age is a revelation!

You made your West End debut in Sugar Babies alongside Mickey Rooney — how did that experience shape the performer you are today?
I still pinch myself to think that I starred opposite Mickey Rooney and Ann Miller in Sugar Babies in London’s West End. Mickey was very challenging to work with, but his comic timing was second to none.

I learned a lot watching him but more than that, I learned a lot from watching the professionalism of the Legendary Ann Miller – arguably one of the world’s finest tap dancers and movie stars from the silver screen.

Your career spans cabaret, television, and theatre, from Red, Hot & Rhonda to appearances on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! — how do you approach performing as “Rhonda” versus stepping into a character?
Performing as Rhonda gives me a lot more freedom because I can be absolutely myself where is performing a character. I have to develop the way I channel certain things I need for the characterisation of the role.

Were you a fan of the film when it was released originally? What excited you about performing in the Musical adaptation?
My daughter Lexie had the animated film of Anastasia and loved it.

I loved the enchanting story of Anastasia and was thrilled to be invited to play a role in the musical adaptation of this mysterious legendary tale of the Romanovs and their daughter Anya that escaped the war.

You’ve portrayed so many strong, charismatic women — what do you look for now when choosing roles?
You’ve got to be able to relate to the role and physically, Dance and Act the role.

Some roles I don’t even bother pursuing as I know in wake up that they are wrong for me, but something like Countess Lily I felt I could certainly make my own.

What 3 performers dead or alive would you love to have a dinner party with?
George Clooney, Barbra Streisand, and Cher.

What do you hope Brisbane audiences take away from Anastasia?
It is a magical story about Hope and love.