"Who would have thought singing old pop songs about people dying could be so entertaining?!"

This week on drama on the waterfront, Dead Tragic cast member Darren Young tells us about his history with this variety show of woe.

Darren Young.

The original Dead Tragic came about following the unexpected demise of the NZ tour of the musical Aunt Daisy. I was one of several cast members to suddenly find themselves back in Wellington unemployed, out of pocket and unimpressed. Michael Williams, the Musical Director of Aunt Daisy told us he had an idea for a musical type show that he’d been kicking around in his head for a few years. So a few of us got together, kicked it around some more and the show Dead Tragic was born. It was an immediate hit! Who would have thought singing old pop songs about people dying could be so entertaining?!

Lyndee-Jane Rutherford and Darren Young.

Yes, of course we take the mickey out of pretty much every song on the play list. You only have to sit and listen to the lyrics to find our motivation. However, while we put the characters of each song into funny situations we always try to sing the songs as musically perfect as we can. We realise that many people may have a particular attachment to one or more of these songs, so we try to do them justice. We just like to have fun with them as well.

It is difficult to come up with a favourite song or moment in the show as there are quite a few. However, I do love the vocal harmony (and sometimes chaos) when we sing “Bohemian Rhapsody”. “Leader of the Pack” is always fun to do and I have a soft spot for “Tell Laura I love her”.

Darren Young and Jon Pheloung.

Apart from the show being so much fun to perform, what I’m really enjoying about Dead Tragic is being back on stage in Wellington. Best of all, I get to share the experience with three of the “originals” – Michael Williams of course (who makes me sound good), and Emma Kinane and Jon Pheloung (who make me look good). I also finally get to work alongside the very entertaining Lyndee-Jane Rutherford (although disturbingly she cracks up laughing every time we kiss onstage during one of the songs). And up in the booth, the amazing Ashlyn Smith does a brilliant job each night making us all look and sound good.

The cast of Dead Tragic.

The show has changed over the years, with new gags, flasher costumes, and wonderful sets. But the essence of the show has always stayed the same... it’s the songs that are the key to Dead Tragic. And performing them is just downright entertaining. I’m loving it!

Dead Tragic is on in Circa Two until 21 December. To book, visit www.circa.co.nz or call 801-7992.

Photos by Jasmyne Chung

Dead Tragic: "If it's half as much fun to watch as it is to perform, you're going to have a great night."

Dead Tragic creator Michael Nicholas Williams tells drama on the waterfront all about his next show at Circa, opening in Circa Two on 22 November.

DOTW: I understand Dead Tragic arose from vocal warm ups? 

MNW: I used to bring in songbooks for a sing-along after we'd warmed our  voices.  During a show at Centrepoint in 1988 I played "Honey" and one of  the cast got very upset and wanted to know what had happened to Honey.  Another cast member said she hated Honey and preferred songs with guts like "Delilah".  I hadn't ever listened to the lyrics and didn't realise Delilah was murdered.  We then started listing songs where people died.  Dead Tragic was the result.  

DOTW: Dead Tragic has been part of your life for over 20  years – what is that like? 

MNW: So comfortable. And so much fun.  You're never far away from a Dead Tragic song - when driving home after pitching the show  to Circa last year there were 3 songs from the show on the radio.  I took it as a sign.  

DOTW: Your family has grown up around this show? 

MNW: Emma [Kinane] found out she was pregnant a week before the show opened.  We did a season in Palmerston North after our son Barnaby was born and it was because he put a clip on Facebook that the show was revived 4 years ago. He also designed the new poster and the concept of the set.  Claire (our daughter) was really no help whatsoever but she's fun to have around and she  knows all the words.      

Michael Nicholas Williams.

DOTW: What are new elements in this Circa production?  

MNW: Lyndee-Jane Rutherford.  And fabulous costumes the Partridge family would  love - thanks Maryanne Cathro.  We're also taking the time to fix those bits that we put in until we got a better idea - only took 23  years... 

DOTW: What is your favourite element of the show? 

MNW:  I love the close harmony singing - all the random oohs and ahhs.    

BOTW: Describe Dead Tragic in five words: 

MNW: Killing you unsubtly with song  

DOTW: Would you like to add anything else?  

MNW: If it's half as much fun to watch as it is to perform, you're going to have a great night.

Dead Tragic opens 22 November, with a $25 Preview on Friday, 21 November and $25 Matinee on Sunday, 23 November. To book, visit www.circa.co.nz or call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992.