Moulin Rouge! The Musical || David Ouch

The Fame Reporter interviewed the talented and versatile Queensland performer, David Ouch. He is starring in the spectacular highly-anticipated Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Lyric Theatre, QPAC from 16 May. David is touring Australia with the show in the Ensemble and covering the role of Babydoll.

David Ouch (He/Him) is a graduate of the Australian Dance Performance Institute and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with a Bachelor of Music Theatre. In 2020, he was cast in The Secret Garden for the 25th anniversary tour (Opera Australia/Gordon Frost Organisation). David performed in the Australian tour of Muriel’s Wedding the Musical (Sydney Theatre Company/ Global Creatures) in 2019, he was also a part of the original production in 2017 to name a few.

We had the exciting opportunity to sit down with David and talk about what enticed him to audition for this iconic show, what he loves about performing Sonya Tayeh’s choreography, rewards and challenges of being in the ensemble whilst understudying and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter David. What was it that sparked your interest in performing initially?
I have always been inspired by powerhouse singers (Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Tina Turner) who marry perfectly song with text. I love watching them perform, the escapism they provided and learning from what they do. This spurred my interest and passion.

What about the stage show of Moulin Rouge! The Musical enticed you to want to be involved in it and how much does it differ from the original Baz Luhrmann film?
I was obsessed with the Grammy Award-nominated Broadway Cast Recording. The mash ups were exciting and inventive. I also watched every available clip possible and fell in love with how bold, lavish and diverse Moulin Rouge! The Musical is. It is a feast for the senses and soul.

The musical brings to life all of the elements of the movie, just dialled up to 1000!

Also, in the stage show, some characters get more of a story arc… You’ll have to come see the show to find out who!

What do you love about working with the Moulin Rouge! The Musical cast?
I love how supportive we are of each other. I know everyone says that, but after what we’ve been through during COVID and lockdowns, we’ve really come to have each other’s backs.

Not to mention, I love looking out on the stage every night and seeing how beautifully diverse our cast is!

What is the most rewarding and challenging part about being in this show as an ensemble member?
I love performing ‘Bad Romance’ every night. It’s physically a challenge, but the pay off is huge when the audience goes crazy at the end. I love hearing the audience interact with the many mash ups in that number.

I think the biggest challenge is revving up the energy to smash out these numbers every night. The show has moments of intense dance action, then chills for a bit, so it’s about digging deep to make sure we can give the best we can.

I’m biased, but the ensemble in Moulin Rouge! The Musical include some of the most resilient and talented humans I’ve had the pleasure to work with.

How fun is it to perform Sonya Tayeh’s incredible choreography, did you get to work with her at all?
Everyone needs to experience what working with Sonya Tayeh is like. It was so special to be able to share in her knowledge and her process for creating this amazing choreography. You can feel her passion for what she does.

Sonya Tayeh’s choreography has really pushed me to become a better, more resilient dancer, and I am forever grateful to her for that. It is pure joy dancing it every night.

What was your experience like attending WAAPA? How did that experience affect your current career progression?
Growing up in Logan, Queensland, I didn’t even know what WAAPA was! To have had the incredible opportunity to train there was both life and career changing. I started my musical theatre training late, so WAAPA provided me with a structure to learn, grow and develop as a human and as a performer.

I believe the discipline for my craft and love for it came from my training at WAAPA; it really set me on course for the career I have now.

What is it like juggling your ensemble role with understudying the iconic role of Baby Doll, and what does being an understudy mean to you?
I love covering and understudying! It really helps me stay connected to the show and gives me the chance to further sharpen my skills.

Covers, understudies and swings are the backbone and gods of any show. I have so much pride in being able to support in that way.

Babydoll is the first cover role where I felt I could bring so much of myself to the role (in all my campness, love and craziness!)

Being from Queensland, what do you love about theatre in Queensland and performing at QPAC in particular?
I love that it has always been a beautiful safe space for me to explore, create and train.

I love QPAC, it’s always been my dream to perform there. It’s a full circle moment.

What 3 performers dead or alive would you love to have a dinner party with?
Patti LaBelle, Billy Porter and Kelly Clarkson.

Why should audiences come along and see Moulin Rouge! The Musical at QPAC?
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a feast for the senses.

From the moment you walk into the theatre, you will be transported into a spectacular explosion of lavishness, love, passion and song.

Fame Reporter Word Play

Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Extravagant

Dream collaborator
Billy Porter

Favourite song of all time that you never get sick of
‘Proud Mary’ by Tina Turner

Causes you are passionate about
Equality, representation in the arts

Celebrity Crush
Henry Cavill

Muriel’s Wedding
Life changing

Dressing Room necessity
Crystals haha

Savoury or Sweet
Sweet

Go-to dance move
Fist pumps

Favourite Moulin Rouge! The Musical song
‘Crazy Rolling’

Australian theatre scene
Growing

Anything Goes
Caroline O’Connor

Unlimited show budget – what dream show would you do? Who would you play and who would play opposite you? Dream show: Hadestown / Play: one of The Fates or Hermes / Opposite me: Patrice Tipoki as Persephone

TV Binge
Bridgerton

Future dream
Being on the other side of the audition table

Finally, favourite thing about performing
Knowing that being onstage means more than just performing; it’s representing.