Director Lyndee-Jane Rutherford tells drama on the waterfront about Jason Chasland and his phenomenal one man show, The ImpoSTAR.
Every now and then you come across a performer
who is extraordinary, and Jason is one of those people. I tell people Jason
Chasland is a freak of nature, as not only does he have a phenomenal voice, but
he can dance, entertain and do impressions.
Jason came to me three years ago and said he
wanted to do a show and that he wanted me to be the person to help him create
it. We had a three hour sing off in my lounge. We laughed, I cried.
I was blown away! He did 60 impressions for me. Yes, SIXTY.
Some of them were better than others, but how amazing that I had 60 to
choose from. Knowing Jason’s abilities as a performer, I wanted to create
something that was surprising, super fun, entertaining and fast paced, but at
the same time I wanted to make sure that we supported Jason and his wonderful
gift.
The Circa Theatre production is our best yet.
After the Nelson premiere and BATS Theatre seasons we talked to people
about what they liked and loved, what they wanted to see more of, some of the
comments were surprising and challenging. All of these critical contributions,
as well as our own assessments, are what have helped make the Circa Theatre
production a very special piece.
Join us, have fun and enjoy the ride.
Lyndee-Jane Rutherford
“ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM, BANG ON DANCE MOVES, A
TRULY IMPRESSIVE VOICE …” -
Theatreview
“Jason Chasland is SHOW STOPPING!” – The NZ Listener
“FLAMBOYANT DREAMS OF STARDOM GET THE SOLO
SPACE THEY NEED” - Dom Post
CELEBRITY SATURDAY – Due to illness we’ve moved our
Diva Dress Evening! Let
your inner diva have a night of fabulousness, 8pm Saturday 2nd November –
we will be hosting a fancy dress evening! Attend The ImpoSTAR as your
favourite songstress, rock star or musical legend! Prizes for best dressed and
drink specials will be available from Circa’s Encore Bar! AND the
wonderful Costume Cave (270 Wakefield St) are offering a costume discount of
10% if you give the password: IMPOSTAR!
The ImpoSTAR is on in Circa One until 9 November. To celebrate Jason's return to health after a brief illness, we're offering $25 tickets for the performances on Tuesday, 29 October and Wednesday 30 October. To book, call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992.
The ImpoSTAR himself, Jason Chasland, tells drama on the waterfront about the new version of his hit show, revamped especially for the Circa season.
What was your inspiration for The ImpoSTAR?
My inspiration for The ImpoSTAR came from a lot of
the celebrities I play within the show itself: Judy Garland in particular has played a huge
role in my life. Variety specials like hers and programmes like The Carol Burnett
show, Christmas specials and old vaudeville acts were all a sources of
inspiration. The show is also part biographical so it's a journey through the
things I have lived and learned as an entertainer.
Who are your inspirations in performance/life?
My inspirations performance-wise would have to be Judy Garland,
Marilyn Micheals, Gene Kelly, Matt Lucas, Barbra Streisand, Ryan Murphy, Alan
Ball and many others. Not forgetting my family, who are all very musical and have
always been a huge support, inspiration and driving force.
What is the rehearsal process?
The rehearsal process begins long before rehearsals start! With
workshopping writing and new concepts, and collaborating with designers. Also
researching, breaking down and executing each of the voices and the physicality of each impression. It's long, exhausting and so much fun!
What is your favourite part of the show?
My favourite part of the show constantly changes. There are some great
moments that we have created, which we are very proud of, but until the audience is
there riding the wave with you it's difficult to say. It changes daily, I swear.
Haha!
Have you met any of the people you do impressions of?
I've been fortunate to meet some amazing people and celebrities but I
actually have not meet anyone I'm performing. I did, however, see Shirley Bassey
perform, met Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter and got a personal note and signed
programme from Broadway legend Patti Lupone, thanks to my dear friend Mark
Dorrell.
What new element are you most excited for our
Circa audience to experience?
I'm most excited for the Circa audience to
experience the new design elements! The set, costume and lighting designers, combined with my wonderful director, make up a team of amazing woman who are at the top of their game. They have taken ideas off the page and are bringing them to life in
magical ways I never thought possible. Of course the show has been complete
revamped with new characters and songs which will have the audience in tears; both sad and happy, we hope!
The show literally has something for everyone.
Sounds cliche, but it's absolutely true. I can not wait to share this Circa
season with a new audience.
The ImpoSTAR opens on 19 October and runs until 9 November. There are $25 tickets available for the Preview performance on Friday, 18 October and the Sunday matinee on 20 October. To book, please call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992 or visit www.circa.co.nz.
