Ben Hall steps into a role made famous by Richard Gere with the stage musical adaptation of Pretty Woman.
DNA: Congratulations on scoring the role of Edward in Pretty Woman: The Musical. How does one go about playing a role made famous by Richard Gere?
Ben Hall: I had to consider how much I would emulate him, as that’s what people remember from the film, but I also considered how much of myself I would bring. Fortunately, the script provides a lot of that. The show’s writer, Dave Norton, also wrote the film, so we get to recreate some iconic moments, but we also have new scenes with more depth to discover the inner lives of Edward and Vivian.
How have you built your character?
I started with background research. There’s the original script, Pretty Woman 3000, which was a very dark story. Touchstone Pictures “Disneyfied” it into a lighter romantic comedy, but there are still hints of that darker world. I dived into that late ’80s and early ’90s period to see what notable characters were in the business world, and I watched interviews to get a feel for the language. I also incorporate psychological traits, drawing on elements from the script and the real world. I discovered other physical and emotional aspects in rehearsal.
Is there a particular part of the show you enjoy the most?
During rehearsals, I found the Long Way Home duet in act two awesome. It’s a beautiful duet with Samantha Jade, who’s a wonderful singer. I also love the ending where Edward becomes less morally ambiguous and no longer wears a suit. He loses his façade, and it’s a joyous release. He makes a bit of a fool of himself, too, which I enjoy!
You recently played the alternate Robbie Williams in the biopic Better Man. What has the reaction been to your work?
It’s a funny one because no one can recognise me as the monkey, but the second unit director, Spencer Susser, gave amazing feedback. My family and friends had to guess which bits were me. It was more rewarding to film, like the scene where I trash the house. We only had two takes because there was so much stuff to damage. It was sort of choreographed, but they gave me a lot of freedom to lose myself. I remember throwing a toaster through a mirror, which was followed by silence as Spencer called “cut”. Then all the crew cheered, and that immediate feedback was lovely.
Did you meet Robbie Williams?
Yes, he was there for the first two weeks. He’s incredibly charismatic and the consummate showman. I’ve always admired his music, particularly Swing When You’re Winning. It’s intriguing to meet someone of that level of fame. He has that cheekiness and tells hilarious stories, but he’s also quite neurotic, and you can see him judging himself, being hyper-aware of everyone watching him. I’m not sure I’d want that level of fame.
You clocked up over 1,000 episodes of Neighbours. How do you feel that it’s coming to an end – again?
The first time was so emotional; this time feels somewhat strange. It’s a much softer ending, and not the big hurrah it was before. Ending Neighbours is a great shame because without those productions, we don’t have as many spaces for actors to learn and earn a living. Its demise seems to have a lot to do with the scrapping of Australian content quotas. I feel for everyone involved.
Did you return to Ramsay Street to say goodbye?
I sure did. I had a couple of days of filming. It was a small role for Ned, which was more for me than anyone else. It was a chance to drop in, see everyone and say goodbye. A few of the old cast did that.
You’ve said before that your music songstress is Beyonce – any others?
My co-star Samantha Jade! I’m listening to all her music again. She has some great anthems, such as Step Up. Surely that must go off at gay clubs?
What about a male singer?
I love Ben Abraham’s music. I like the honesty of his lyrics. Never Been Better would be my favourite of his.
In the past, you said the track that would always get you on the dancefloor was Kanye West’s Gold Digger. Any more?
Because of the show, I’ve been listening to a lot of Bryan Adams, who wrote the music. I really like the DJ Sammy remix of Heaven. That’ll keep me going on the dancefloor!
Gay men question their sexuality throughout their teen years. As a straight guy, did you do the same?
Definitely. I’d be surprised if anyone doesn’t. Every gender or orientation has to question their sexuality at some point, especially when younger. People always assumed I was gay because I did musical theatre. It’s amazing what you’ll start to question because of what others say. When you’re young, you just don’t know and you think, “Maybe I am.” But unless you’re falling in love with someone of the same sex, liking musical theatre probably won’t make you gay. [Laughs]
You went to an all-boys Catholic school. Do you have any memories of your gay mates from back then?
I distinctly remember our drama teacher, Miss Hammond, and how protective she was. Many gay students gravitated toward drama, and she allowed them to be who they wanted to be and never allowed any bullying. She was the teacher in a safe space, where they could discuss things with her. Even though it was taboo in a Catholic school, she had an open-door policy for those conversations, and she was very well-loved for it.
What advice can you give to someone wanting to enter the industry?
Know exactly who is managing you, how they’re doing it, and that you approve. Secondly, protect yourself by being knowledgeable about contracts and what you’re owed, especially after the fiasco with the company behind Elvis: A Musical Revolution. [The company left performers with unpaid superannuation of almost $440,000, a liquidator’s report revealed.] I know how easy it is to get screwed over.
At the beach, briefs, boardshorts or butt naked?
[Laughs] I’ve never done a nude beach, but I did go skinny dipping once at Red Leaf [a city beach on Sydney Harbour] with a bunch of people after a show. I’ll be down at Bondi this summer in boardies. If I get really fit doing Pretty Woman, then I might consider switching to briefs. I’ve got some gay mates who love tanning by the pool. I may join in!
prettywomanthemusical.com.au
Follow Ben on Instagram @benhall23
Ethan Jones Finishes Our Sentences
Ethan Jones plays George McFly in Back To The Future: The Musical and finishes our sentences.
The state of my hair is… Feral and unkempt, like the comb of a rooster, if it’s not tamed by hairspray.
The state of my heart is… Full. But hopefully not of cholesterol!
The state of my underwear drawer is… Gross and in need of an overhaul.
The best accessory I ever bought is… My Dollywood bum-bag: its fashion and function!
The most famous person I’ve met is… Jason Donovan while working on The Rocky Horror Show. He’s an undeniable legend, an all-round great bloke, and has excellent taste in ’90s house music.
Back in high school, I was… Desperate for approval. Now it’s more of a yearning.
The best thing about being in Back To The Future: The Musical is… The DeLorean!
The worst thing about being in Back To The Future: The Musical is… The layers of clothing required for quick wardrobe changes. Ya boy runs hot! But it’s worth it for the theatre magic.
I feel sad when… I spend time worrying about the future.
The last time I laughed hysterically was… While I was pretending to be a turtle. It was a solid impression, but maybe you had to be there. My sense of humour is quite unhinged.
I’m shit scared of… Being exposed as the imposter I am.
If I could have a superpower, it would be… The ability to always pull out the exact needed change from my pockets. How thrifty!
My secret food indulgence is… All things sugar. At this point, I’m more sugar than man. You can use that as my epitaph.
My autobiography would be called… Ethan Jones: How I Got Away With It!
People don’t know that I was once… Banned from a venue in Las Vegas, only to sneak in the following night to prove a point!
When alone in my car, I… Hoon! So, I usually ride a bike instead.
If you want to make my blood boil, start talking about… The botnet! But let’s speak later, it’s not safe to discuss here without our tinfoil hats on.
My most embarrassing moment on stage was… Falling over, but not deliberately. There’s no cool way to play that off!
My favourite TV character of all-time is… Lionel Hutz, Attorney At Law from The Simpsons. “I’ll have you know the contents of that dumpster are private!”
The song that makes me smile and want to dance is… see i’m OK by KCH.
The song I can’t get out of my head is… Dance With The Devil from The Witches Of Eastwick.
My straight mates are… Hilarious, supportive, kind and hot!
Interview by Matthew Myers
backtothefuturemusical.com.au
Follow Ethan on Instagram @ethansjones
Photography: Shutterstock.
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