The Fame Reporter interviewed Sara Haruta starring in the incredible Ensemble of the spectacular Broadway smash hit Beetlejuice The Musical. Playing at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in Brisbane until 5 July.
We talked to Sara about finding her place in the theatre industry, working with Eddie Perfect, performing armless in Beetlejuice The Musical and more.
Welcome to The Fame Reporter, what first drew you to musical theatre, and when did you realise it was something you wanted to pursue professionally?
I always loved story telling through dance and when I watched people express stories through song I was mind blown.
I didn’t really see a place for myself in the industry until I saw Hamilton, that was a game changer.
The ensemble in Beetlejuice is constantly in motion and full of energy—what does the show feel like from your perspective on stage?
A crazy acid trip (not that I know what that actually feels like), it’s like a rapid train, you get on, you experience the chaos and then you blink and you’re bowing and waving as the curtain comes down.
It’s such a physically demanding production—how do you maintain stamina and consistency across a full eight-show week? TRAINING!!! I believe it’s so important to cross train in cardio, weightlifting, Pilates, walking and dance classes.
I particularly love boxing to use my arms as I don’t have them for the song ‘Beautiful Sound’ lol!
You worked with Eddie Perfect on this production—what has that collaboration been like, and what have you learned from being part of a show he created? It’s been a dream come true that I didn’t even know I had. The minute he walked in to my final audition I think I pooped myself because the guy who wrote the musical was watching us.
Being in the same room with him let alone working with him has truly been an honour. He taught me a lot, probably without even knowing.
Eddie Perfect isthe most down to earth, humble, hilarious person who is so creative and driven. He’s inspiring to be around, also just a funny dad.
After performing overseas, how does it feel to be working back in Australia, and what’s special about performing for home audiences?I love performing overseas, the travel/adventure, THE FOOD! But I love coming home and performing on home soil in front of some people I may know, it’s very special.
It’s so special to be a part of an original Australian company in a musical written by an Australian.
Do you have a favourite moment in the show to perform—and what makes it so special for you? That is like asking if I have a favourite child (and I don’t have kids so it should be easy).
My favourite would have to be the song ‘Beautiful Sound’. As chaotic as it can be dancing without arms, it’s truly once in a lifetime and it’s a hoot every night.
You’ve toured internationally with Miss Saigon—what did that experience teach you about yourself as a performer? It taught me resilience, patience and kindness.
Performing an Asian story, sharing a historical moment, especially in Asia is something I will never take for granted.
If you could spend a day in the Netherworld with Beetlejuice, what do you think would happen? I think my true freak flag would fly…. Anything is possible in the Netherworld!
What do you love about Brisbane audiences?Being from QLD myself I feel like what we’re best at is not taking things seriously and having a laugh.
Beetlejuice is the perfect show for that kind of audience and I’m thrilled for them to get to experience such a wild show.
Word Play
The Netherworld? Chaos
Striped suit? Strap in for a 10 minute dance number
Ensemble? Dream team
Touring overseas? THE FREAKIN BEST
Go-to karaoke song? Super bass Nicki Minaj
Miss Saigon? A legacy
Beetlejuice The Musical? HEE HEE HA HA
Favourite song right now? We made it by Six60
Dressing room essential? Snack, ambient lighting and noise cancelling headphones
Favourite musical (besides *Beetlejuice*, of course)? Hamilton
Life backstage? A balance of professionalism and silly shenanigans
Favourite dance move? Anything from Step Up
Pre-show ritual? A mint, breathing/grounding, check in with the ASMs
Dream 3 performers dead or alive to go to a dinner party with? Robyn Hurder, Bob Fosse, Lin Manuel Miranda
Favourite Beetlejuice moment? When Eddie would giggle with us in Skeletons
Future Dream? To make an impact with diversity within the industry.
A scene you secretly wish you got to be apart of in Beetlejuice? Highly inappropriate but dead mom has the best beat it’ll be fun to do some interpretive dancing behind Lydia.
Current TV binge? The Traitors
Best thing about being part of Beetlejuice? The people!! I think that’s with any job. But this show in particular you gotta be able to have a laugh and these people are some of the funniest people I’ve had the pleasure to work with.
Thank-you for joining us at The Fame Reporter Sara.
TICKETS – www.qpac.com.au
Beetlejuice The Musical
Lyric Theatre – Brisbane
Playing until 5 July
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The Fame Reporter 