The Fame Reporter interviewed local Australian performer, Peter Wood. They are starring in Brisbane based theatre company, Millennial Productions’ Grease The Musical now playing at The Claver Theatre, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane until 8 July. Peter is playing the role of Eugene in the cult classic favourite show.

Peter Wood is a proud Queer, Indonesian-Australian actor and performance-maker. Peter recently directed and choreographed KATRINA THE REAL WOG WIFE OF BRISBANE at the Brisbane Comedy Festival and recently understudied for the POISON OF POLYGAMY at La Boite Theatre Company. Peter choreographed TICK, TICK, BOOM! which was nominated for Best Musical at the Matilda Awards in 2022.

We had the exciting opportunity to sit down with theatre performer and creative Peter Wood and talk about what enticed them to want to be apart of Millennial Productions’ Grease The Musical as Eugene, what they love about the Queensland theatre scene and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Peter, what was it that sparked your interest in performing initially?
I love storytelling! They way we grow, and educate ourselves is from storytelling and I knew I wanted to make and be a part of stories.

Mainly I perform, but I’ve had the delight to also write, direct and choreograph for other shows.

What enticed you to want to audition for Grease The Musical presented by Millennial Productions?
When I saw that Millennial Productions were holding auditions for Grease, I remember hearing fantastic things from their production of ‘Spring Awakening’ and that’s what convinced me to audition.

To hear how great a show was through word of mouth makes me excited to work with that company.

What do you love about the role of Eugene and how do you connect with this iconic role?
This iconic role has so many versions. Is he a nerd? Socially inept? Perhaps all of the above!

I love the Eugene we’ve gone with because he doesn’t try to fit in with anyone, he is purely happy to be there and is unapologetically his best self.

Yes, he might look weird or act like a geek, but he’s a geek you can’t help to root for!

What about theatre in Queensland excites you to want to direct and choreograph as well as perform, particularly in Katrina the real Wog wife of Brisbane and Tick, Tick, Boom?
I’ve always identified as a theatre-maker in which I mainly perform, and I’ve always wanted to get better with every production I work on.

I feel as though stepping into a director or choreographer role has only helped me work different theatre-making muscles – which strengthens my craft. I recommend this for every performer!

I want to give huge love to Timothy Wynn (THAT Production Company) and Bianca Zouppas for giving me the opportunity to explores these newer theatre-making roles.

Why do you think representation is important on stage in the theatre, on screen and in the arts world in general?
Not only do we need representation that accurately represent the communities of Queensland, but also we need stories that represent them too. I love to champion new works from communities and identities that are yet to have their time, but also seeing diversity in the re-telling of classics creates the culture of portraying the world around us in which we already exist.

It’s time to take people from all walks of life and put them on stage! Representation matters!

Which 3 performers, dead or alive, would you love to have a dinner party with?
Monet X Change, Jennifer Coolidge, and Sana from TWICE. 3 icons in their own right, this dinner party will be amazing no doubt!

What advice, if any, would you give to performers or creatives in terms of being empowered to create their own works and getting their personal stories out there?
Find your reason of why you want to tell this story, that should be at the heart of the project.

It is so incredible you use your love of performing to brighten up the lives of kids at the Queensland Children’s Hospital as Captain Starlight from the Starlight Foundation, what enticed you to give back in this way?
Starlight’s mission to brighten the lives of sick children and their families is a mission I’ve always wanted to be a part of.

It’s one of those jobs where it doesn’t matter how talented you are as a performer, but making your interactions child-led so you give the power back to these kids – especially in an environment where they have little to no power. That’s what makes a difference to these kids.

I’m fortunate enough to have this job, work those improv skills everyday and bring happiness to anywhere in the hospital I can.

Who or what inspires you?
My parents inspire me! They’ve had a history with the theatre so they’ve always been so supportive. I don’t think I would have pursued the Arts if I hadn’t grown up with a karaoke machine and 10 Indonesian Aunties in your household cheering you on from the age of 4… but I did! Lucky me!

What can audiences expect from Millennial Productions’ version of Grease The Musical?
They can expect feel good vibes and tremendous cast chemistry!

Of course it’s a classic, but expect the Millennial Production sparkle that they’ve added to this already iconic show.

Fame Reporter Word Play

Grease The Musical
Ramalamalama!

Savoury or Sweet
Sweet!

Sunny Tribe District
CAMP (literally and in a gay way too)

Causes you are passionate about
Starlight!

Original Works
Coming soon!

And she would stand like this
Slay!

Once on this Island
Forever Iconic!

Australian Theatre Scene
Rising!

Place you want to travel to
Jakarta! (home)

Mamma Mia!
Here we go again….

Favourite song you will never get sick of
“Save Me, Save You” by WJSN

Favourite thing about performing
Bringing smiles and laughter to the audience.

Thank-you Peter for joining us at The Fame Reporter and we wish you all the best for Grease The Musical!

TICKETS
Currently playing until 8 July
The Claver Theatre, Brisbane