The Fame Reporter interviewed Australian theatre performer, Justin Anderson. He is currently the Resident Choreographer/Dance Captain/Ensemble in Matt Ward Entertainment’s Billy Elliot The Musical now playing at The Star Gold Coast until 13 August.

Justin’s musical theatre career started at the age of 12 when he played the role of “Stitch’em” in Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver!. Most recently Justin finished up touring with Disney’s FROZEN the musical. Justin played the role of Oaken and was an original company member touring Australia and Singapore.

Other professional stage credits include; Australian tour of Billy Elliot, Saturday Night Fever, Evita starring Tina Arena, Wizard of Oz, My Fair Lady directed by Dame Julie Andrews, We Will Rock You, Australian and Asian seasons of Wicked, Original & Touring Cast of Mary Poppins, David Atkins’ Hot Shoe Shuffle, Shout!, Little Me, High School Musical Live On Stage &  Jason Coleman’s  Cabaret Cathedral.

We had the exciting opportunity to sit down with theatre performer Justin Anderson and talk about what enticed him to want to be part of Matt Ward Entertainment’s Billy Elliot The Musical, the most rewarding part of his role as Resident Choreographer and Dance Captain and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Justin, what sparked your interest in performing initially?
The year was 2000, I was 10 and my parents took me to see “FAME” and everything changed after seeing that company. What a cast!!!

What about Billy Elliot the musical enticed you to want to tell this story, especially through your roles as Resident Choreographer/Dance Captain/Ensemble?
The story is so relatable to me, well to a big majority of us in the show. Pushing through to follow your passion even through its not the norm. Following your heart.

Being in a creative position in this show just makes it that much more special, being able to watch these children (not only the Billy’s but the young Michaels and Ballet girls) from day 1 rehearsal to now in front of a live audience is brilliant to see.

They should be very proud because I am.

What is your ultimate favourite moment in the show?
The start of “Electricity” has always given me goosebumps, an incredible moment for the Billy’s and the lyrics really capsulate what that moment means.

What do you believe are the important lessons that an audience can take from this show?
Lessons about Acceptance, Love and Laughter.

The miners / Dad & Tony go through such a journey of acceptance and Love (You have to come see the show no spoilers) and this show is funny and that’s what audiences need at this time. An incredible score and script.

This show really is for all ages.

What has been the most rewarding and challenging parts about performing in this iconic show?
To be able to help teach the choreography, clean up and help give meaning behind the movements but then also get to perform it every night and feel the energy from the audience and the cast members. I’m very proud of what we have all created.

What has it been like working with and getting to know the three boys who play Billy?
Ethan, Diesel & Harrison are such lovely boys, so so talented. I wish I was as half as good as them when I was their age.

Each Billy brings such individuality to the role and that’s what makes them and them performing the role so very special. The audience can come a number of times and would see a different show- In the best way!

Do you have a role in theatre that you are dying to play?
Long story short, no. When I was younger and would watch musicals I was ALWAYS drawn more to the ensemble. I just loved how hard they were dancing and I always wanted to do that.

I always just wanted to be surrounded by the best to do it and I have been luckily enough to have achieved that.

How would you describe Elton John’s legendary music in the show?
Iconic, so so catchy and something in there for everyone. No matter what age, there is something in here for everyone.

What do you love about the choreography in the show and what do you think is special about it?It is all based on truth. The moment tells a story and has meaning behind it, so as an actor or dancer no matter the level you can lose yourself in it.

You aren’t just dancing around stage for the sake of colour and movement.

What have you learned about yourself and society whilst performing in the show?
Billy Elliot is a beautify mirror to hold up against society at this time in the world. In a time where acceptance is lacking Billy Elliot reinforces this topic.

Congrats on your incredible achievements throughout your career thus far, what was it like touring with Frozen, playing an iconic lead role like Oaken and performing overseas with the show?
Thank You. Absolutely incredible, looking out into the audience every night and seeing children faces beaming back at you is priceless. They love that story- light and love, as we would say.

Oaken was so fun, The team allowed me to play with it so much and being able to break that fourth wall and be a bit of light hearted fun brought me so much joy.

Who doesn’t love being flown around the world doing what they love.

What 3 performers dead or alive would you love to have a dinner party with?
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jeremy Jordan & John Farnham.

Why do you think Billy Elliot the musical resonates with people from all walks of life?
Billy Elliot really does have something for everyone. Based on true events, the script is hard hitting and truthful there are some brilliant acted moments especially between the “Dad” & “Tony” characters.

It is so so funny, your cheeks will hurt by then of the night. Outstanding choreography dance by a brilliantly talented company headlined by our incredibly talented Billy’s and music by Elton John. What more could you want.

Fame Reporter Word Play

Bucket list
Going to see a NBA game in Maddison Square Garden

Favourite mantra when you are down
“Ain’t nothin’ gonna to break my stride, Nobody gonna slow me down, oh no”

Billy Elliot
“I don’t want a childhood, I was to be a ballet dancer”

Oaken
“Hygge”

Favourite song today
Anything “Lizzo”

Dream co-star to work with
Justin Timberlake

Oliver
Start of an incredible journey

Any secret talents
Unicycle and Juggle

Favourite Musical
Wicked

Dressing Room necessity
Cologne

Elton John
I got the honour of meeting him on the Billy Elliot Aus Tour. What a moment.

Favourite song in Billy Elliot
“The Letter”

Wicked
Best moments of my life, I met my wife on that show.

Can’t live without
Chicken Parma’s

Acting
Be Truthful

Place you want to travel to
South Africa, Canada & Japan

Australian theatre scene
As talented as anywhere else in the world.

Singing
Ben Abraham

Future dream
Grow old with my wife so I can watch my two daughters live a long beautiful life.

TV Show Binge
Ted Lasso

Finally, favourite thing about performing
The utter joy that I get from it, I will never get over that feeling. No matter what kind of day you are having the moment you step out on stage you loose yourself in it. Surrounded by like minded talented people that are the best at what they do singing incredible harmonies. Nothing like it.

Thank-you Justin for joining us at The Fame Reporter and we wish you all the best for Billy Elliot The Musical!

TICKETS
Currently playing until 13 August
The Star, Gold Coast