Maggie McKenna Camp Rock: The Musical Interview

Maggie McKenna Camp Rock: The Musical Interview

Book by Robert L Freedman and Faye Greenberg
Based on a Disney Channel Original Movie written by Dan Berendsen and Karin Gist and Regina Hicks and on characters created by Karin Gist, Regina Hicks and Julie Brown and Paul Brown Music Adapted, Arranged, Orchestrated and Produced by David Lawrence.

Stage Masters presents the Melbourne premiere of Disney's hugely popular Camp Rock: The Musical this October.

Based on the Disney Channel Original movies Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam that featured teen idols Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers, Camp Rock: The Musical is a fast paced story set to music that will fire up the stage with over a dozen songs, including 'This Is Me," 'Can't Back Down," 'It's On," and 'We Rock."

Camp Rock is the ultimate place for aspiring musicians. Mitchie and her friends can't wait to spend their summer there- jamming out, making new friends and having the time of their lives. But the new flashy Camp across the lake, Camp Star, has drummed up some serious competition and now threatens Camp Rock's very existence. To keep the doors open, Mitchie needs to step up, rally her fellow Camp Rockers, and get them into top shape for the ultimate showdown.

Stage Masters producers David Venn and Jessica Benney direct this young tour-de-force, 60-person cast, in this family musical for all ages.

Venn said 'We're extremely excited to be bring this high-energy show to Melbourne. The production will feature all of the characters and songs from the film in a whole new stage production. More than 380 aspiring singers, dancers and actors travelled as far as Echuca, Ballarat and Geelong to audition for this once in a lifetime opportunity and we're extremely pleased with the talented cast we have assembled."

Stage Masters aims to develop high-quality entertainment, whilst providing educational opportunities for aspiring performers aged between 11 and 18 to develop their skills in all facets of the arts. Production credits include 13- A New Musical, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, Into The Woods: Junior and High School Musical.

Camp Rock: The Musical will feature an elite cast including, Maddison Padula (Annie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), Jasmine Goldberg (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), Brianna Bishop (Australia's Got Talent), Maggie McKenna (Kath & Kimderella) and Jasmine Smith (The King & I). Adult professionals are yet to be announced.

Camp Rock: The Musical

Season: 17 October – 27 October (except Monday and Tuesday)
Times: Wednesday-Saturday 7:30pm;
Matinees: Saturday 19 at 2pm, Sunday 20 at 1pm and 5pm, Saturday 26 at 1pm & 4.30pm, Sunday 27 at 4pm
Venue: Randall Theatre, St Martins Youth Arts Centre, 44 St. Martins Lane, South Yarra

Bookings: http://camprock.com.au, Stage Masters: 9016 8486, Ticket: Adult A – Res: $35, Child/Concession A – Res: $29, Single B – Res: $28, Family Pass: $118, Premium seat: $45

Interview with Maggie McKenna

Question: What should audiences except from the Camp Rock: The Musical performance?

Maggie McKenna: Audiences should expect a fun filled show with lots of singing and dancing, performed by an incredible cast. It's perfect for all ages!


Question: Why did you want to be involved in this project?

Maggie McKenna: I had previously worked with Stage Masters on another show and the experience was unforgettable, so I wasn't going to miss this opportunity. I am also a huge fan of Camp Rock, so I felt very privileged being cast in this production of it.


Question: Can you tell us about your character Mitchie Torres?

Maggie McKenna: Mitchie is the lead character and takes charge of a lot of the action through the show. She is a very strong-minded young girl, who is determined to do what's best for everyone. She is brave and courageous whilst also being sweet and very genuine.

Question: Do you see similarities between yourself and your character, Mitchie Torres?

Maggie McKenna: Yes I do see some similarities between Mitchie and I, because I am also very strong-minded and determined in the things I do.


Question: Can you talk about what's involved in preparing for a show like, Camp Rock: The Musical?

Maggie McKenna: There's been a lot of preparing for this show, especially in rehearsals. We have very long days of singing, dancing and acting trying to put this piece together. We've also done a lot of publicity for the show, including a few performances at The Royal Melbourne Show.


Question: How long have you been rehearsing for?

Maggie McKenna: We've been rehearsing for a couple of months, pretty much every weekend and all through the holidays.


Question: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Maggie McKenna: I do actually, they're all kind of silly but me and my friends do them to take our minds off our nerves before a performance. My favourite one is our pre-showboogie, we all get our twerk on!


Question: What has been the highlight of working on Camp Rock: The Musical, so far?
Maggie McKenna: My favorite part of the process so far has been working with such amazing people. Everyone from the cast to crew is extremely talented and hard working. The energy at our rehearsals is great, so I can't wait to be able to show audiences what we've created as a team!


Question: Can you tell us what it was like starring in Kath and Kimderella?

Maggie McKenna: It was pretty amazing. Sitting in makeup and hair is always fun because they turn you into your character and make you feel a bit like a movie star. I have such a passion for acting; so getting to be a part of a feature film was quite incredible.


Question: Do you have a preference between performing on stage or for the camera?

Maggie McKenna: I love both equally to be honest! I've done more stage than I have screen, but my hope for the future is to be in movies and television while also performing in musicals.


Question: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Maggie McKenna: I hopefully will be over in America trying to make it as a movie star (or if possible, already be one). Or maybe in New York in a Broadway musical!


Question: Are you currently working on any other projects?

Maggie McKenna: I've recently just finished performing as one of the lead vocalist in the Victorian State School Spectacular, which was performed at Hisense Arena. It will be airing on the 20th of October on Channel 7. Other than Camp Rock: The Musical, I will be continuing my training in dancing, singing and acting, while still auditioning for things regularly. I always like to keep busy!


Interview by Brooke Hunter