From a ’50s pop star to a Frozen prince, Thomas McGuane’s latest role sees him hitting the beat with The Tap Pack boys.
DNA: Tell us how you became a tap dancer.
Thomas McGuane: I began training quite late, at 14, and fell in love with it because I loved the rhythm. That translated into playing the drums, which I also did.
And now you’re touring with The Tap Pack.
I saw their show at the Sydney Opera House in 2018 and I was blown away by the skills, unison and showmanship. The class of those gentlemen was fantastic. I now have the privilege of being a part of that, which is very rewarding. It’s wonderful to create rhythms with others on stage and The Tap Pack is crafted so well as it builds and builds in momentum.
Do you have a tap icon?
Gene Kelly is the top dog for me. He had class and did storytelling with fun and joy. That’s what I live by, let alone dance by. I love the way Gene moves with such ease and I try to emulate that but with my own twists. As far as current icons go, I’m getting to dance with them all right now on stage, and I’m over the moon about it!
You’ve played Prince Hans in Frozen and performed in Bring It On and Jersey Boys. Is there a dream role you’ve yet to play?
As actors, there are roles we want to play and roles we are appropriate for. You think you can play it all but the world only sees you in a couple of ways. I would love to play Evan in Dear Evan Hansen. That would be vocally right up my alley. It’s my ear candy and the acting chops needed for that role are also unique and full-on.
Any others?
Roger or Mark in RENT. I grew up listing to that album and I love Jonathan Larson’s writing and the concept of a modern rock sing-through production.
We asked Jason Arrow, who plays Alexander Hamilton, if he raps in his sleep. Do you tap in your sleep?
[Laughs] Whenever I’m sitting somewhere, waiting for something, I’ll tap my feet or thighs with my hands and sometimes I even chew in rhythm. I’ll chew food to a song!
ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus said that while jogging he came up with the rolling beat for Take A Chance On Me.
Yes, brilliant. I understand. In tap, I don’t know a step unless I can hear all the beats, and jogging can help create that energy.
Life in musical theatre is very colourful. Do you have a group of gay music-theatre mates to hang out with?
I do, but I often find a lot of my gay friends are not in the shows I’m in! My dad is gay, too, so I’m often surrounded by beautiful human beings who are fantastic company. My gay friends on Frozen were always there to lend an ear and shoulder and I consider them very close. In musical theatre, we have a beautiful relationship with such an eccentric group of personalities. It’s a unique industry where you put your heart out on stage and it invites relationships.
Did your dad come out when you were young or later in life?
He came out when I was halfway through grade six and I remember it being big news. It was back when coming out was still quite new and scary for society. But fast forward to now and I couldn’t ask for a more loving and caring father, whom I love and accept. He’s always accepted me and my family as well and I will love him forever.
It’s a reverse of the more usual situation in which the son comes out.
It was hard. You see your parents as a certain kind of person and then when they accept who they are… it’s tricky. Particularly being young and suddenly seeing them as their new self. But I’ve grown up watching someone blossom into who they are and it’s wonderful. It was never hard to accept him, and I’ve seen how excited and proud he is of me. He saw Frozen about 16 times. He’s my number one fan.
You grew up in Colac where Joel Creasey was famously chased out of town by homophobes! Have you ever seen homophobia there?
I’ve heard stories of that happening but haven’t experienced it. It’s not something I identify with Colac. I find Colac quite welcoming. It very much has a country mindset. It’s very home-grown, where families have lived for generations. With my dad being gay in Colac, it was never a problem and always celebrated. I think Colac is welcoming to the gay community.
What’s your burn-up-the-dance-floor song?
It must be something with an infectious beat. I love Justin Timberlake and Usher, but I’d have to say Footloose by Kenny Loggins. What an absolute banger!
Who’s your music diva?
Dua Lipa has created some fantastic songs and I love Adele but I’d have to say Ariana Grande, especially Positions.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Success is when opportunity and preparation come together.”
Who are your biggest inspirations in the world of theatre?
Throughout Frozen, Jemma Rix was my confidant. I was going through a breakup and on opening night she gave me a book called A New Earth that changed my life. She’s a beautiful, insightful and spiritual person and so unbelievably kind. Also, my tap teacher at uni, Eden Read. He challenged me all the way and gave me an appreciation for the technical elements of tap and the joy.
Do you have a grooming tip?
I love doing a face mask and eye patches and having a “night in” for that. I’ll feel refreshed and it creates that self-love environment.
What’s your most embarrassing wardrobe malfunction?
In Jersey Boys, I wore pants that were quite tight around the thighs. One night, seconds before walking on stage, I bent over for a stretch, heard a rip, and realised my crotch had split entirely. All I was wearing underneath was a jockstrap! I had to walk on stage and stay for about 25 minutes with that hole in my pants. I thought, “Wow, so this is live theatre!”
On the beach is it boardies or briefs?
Boardies, but I admire people who put on a speedo. My friend Doron loves to wear a speedo and I love his confidence. When I see him in a speedo I think, “Oh, of course!”
Briefs, boxers or free balling?
Briefs, but for night-time… well, I’ll leave that to your imagination!
MORE: Go to thetappack.com
Follow Thomas on Instagram @thomas_mcguane
DNA: WHO WOULD YOU TURN GAY FOR?
Thomas: Hugh Jackman is an utterly attractive, rugged Australian man! He has great charisma and personality. I love how he gets to know everyone on set. I love his work ethic. He goes into a job head-first and builds the physical or mental strength needed.
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Photography: Shutterstock.
