AN ENDEAVOUR Hills performer transforms into a frolicking feline on stage in what he describes as the most “physically demanding” theatre show he’s ever done.
Darren Tyler is back on home soil after being on tour for 12 years and is getting ready to star in the hit theatre show Cats, which opens in Melbourne next month.
Mr Tyler told the News he was excited to be playing the role of Skimbleshanks in front of his home crowd.
Cats tells the imaginative tale of a tribe of Jellicle Cats as they gather together for the annual Jellicle Ball.
The 33-year-old, who has been dancing for 28 years and works in jazz, tap, funk and musical theatre, said Cats was a hard show because each performer had to portray a cat.
“We do various exercises to help us get into the role of a cat,” he said. “The hardest thing is that we’re on all fours throughout the whole show. It’s a challenge.”
Mr Tyler described Cats as a “big fun dance show”.
Audiences will be treated to a unique set, inspired choreography, colourful costumes and a musical score composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
“We get to interact with the audience. People of all ages love it,” Mr Tyler said.
When Mr Tyler isn’t travelling the world and starring in shows such as Miss Saigon, Saturday Night Fever and Oliver, he enjoys teaching the art of dance at a number of dance studios in Casey.
“Teaching kids is always a challenge as you have to make up new and creative choreography that they want to dance,” he said.
“These days more kids are interested in dancing because of shows like Dancing With the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. It’s more prominent in today’s society.”
Eventually, Mr Tyler would like to get into choreography for television.
Cats opens in Melbourne on Saturday 6 March at the Regent Theatre.
For tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au.
– Kelly Yates
