The Fame Reporter interviewed Australian performer Chloe Rose Taylor is starring in Li’l Elvis and the Truckstoppers, now playing at the Brisbane Powerhouse until 18 January. Chloe Rose is playing the role of Rhonda Rorts in the brand new Australian musical.
We had the exciting opportunity to sit down with Chloe Rose Taylor and talk about what enticed her to want to join Li’l Elvis and the Truckstoppers, what it’s like being part of an original Australian musical and more.
Can you tell us about your character and how you prepared for the role?
Rhonda Rorts is a delicious, comedic, vaudevillian villain. In prep for the role, I obviously went back to the original cartoon for research, but I also wanted to inject some new life into her. My inspiration for the role is based on a combination of Yzma (The Emperors New Groove), Moira (Schitt’s Creek), and RuPaul (RuPaul’s Drag Race).
How does playing a character from a beloved animated series compare to other roles you’ve taken on in the past?
I think there is a certain responsibility to represent and honour what she was and what she meant for so many kids/parents in the 90’s.
This is my first time ever playing a role from an animated series, so it is quite a unique and special experience, especially considering I grew up watching this show.
What drew you to Li’l Elvis and the Truckstoppers, and what excites you most about being part of this production?
Initially, what drew my in was the show itself. I grew up watching Li’l Elvis and the Truckstoppers, so I was shocked and excited to hear that it had now been adapted to a stage production.
The exciting elements are of course the nostalgia of it all, but also working on a new piece of Australia Theatre with an Australian story is something I am very passionate about and is not something you get the opportunity to do very often.
How do you relate to your character, and are there any similarities between you and her?
Even though she’s a villain, there are definitely traits of hers that I connect with. She’s playful and silly and loves to make people laugh.
Rhonda Rorts one of the only characters in the musical that constantly breaks the forth wall with comedic lines to the audience, which is where my cabaret experience comes in handy.
Not to ruin the storyline, *spoiler alert*, but, Rhonda has to go in disguise to manipulate the kids and the character she plays then is Allie Tingle – think an Australian version of Julie Andrew’s cross a well to do lawyer.
Allie Tingle is still at the heart of it all, all the traits listed above, but her vocals completely morph, allowing me to tap into the more classical range of voice. When do you get the chance to be both a sultry alto and a well-to-do soprano in one role? So fun!
I love that I get to show the real stretch of what I can play as an actor in just one role.
What has been the most challenging aspect of bringing this animated world to life on stage?
For me, more than anything, it has been the physicality. Animated characters have SO much freedom and exaggerated expressions, so trying to capture that larger than life movement was something I really focused on.
Can you share a memorable moment or experience from the rehearsal process so far?
Working with children is always a really special experience, I felt the same way when I did Billy Elliot in back in 2023.
Seeing kids’ love and joy for performing is a reminder as an adult professional where your journey and dreams all began.
What do you think audiences will love most about the show?
It is so fun and silly! For the people that grew up on the show, they will love the nostalgia of it all and for the people that are new to the story the will enjoy an entertaining night out with bright and bold characters.
How does this production feel different from other theatre experiences you’ve been a part of?
It’s different because I have had the opportunity to originate the role in a new Australian musical. In 5, 10, 20 years’ time, I will get to look at wherever the production has gone and know that I was a part of shaping who the role of Rhonda Rorts is.
What do you hope audiences take away from seeing the musical version of Li’l Elvis and the Truckstoppers?
Joy and love for an Australian classic.
I think it is so important that we keep creating Australian work for Australians to enjoy.
As a performer, how does it feel to be involved in a project that taps into nostalgia while also introducing the story to a new generation?
It feels really special. Especially considering that this story has indigenous characters and storyline’s, I think it is so important to keep this story alive and accessible for everyone to enjoy and learn.
How does it feel to be part of the world premiere of Li’l Elvis and the Truckstoppers at Brisbane Powerhouse, especially considering it’s an original Australian musical?
It’s quite magical really.
You don’t get to say every day that you performed a world premiere of a new Australian musical, especially considering it was a show that I grew up watching.
What does it mean to you to be part of this homegrown production?
It means that local artists can be hired in their own town and contribute to their community, which is so important and something I am so passionate about.
We have so many talented artists and creatives here in Meanjin/Brisbane, so it is really refreshing to see that this production has utilised the talent here.
TICKETS
Brisbane Powerhouse until 18 January
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