Alex Green has been splashing around in the Singin’ in the Rain rehearsal room for his role of Don in the show. We sat down with him to talk about the iconic show, treading the boards at Norwich Theatre Royal and those pre-show rituals.
Tell us a bit about you.
My name’s Alex. I’m 31 years old. I’ve been interested in shows and musicals since I was five. Growing up, I trained at the Central School of Dance and Performing Arts in Norwich; several other alums are also involved in this production. I also took part in local youth theatre groups. My love for performing continued to grow, culminating in a move to London, where I trained at Arts Educational Schools London.
Tell us a bit about the show and your character.
The show takes place during a tumultuous time for the film industry, where we saw radical change, resulting in many crew and performers losing their careers and fading into the background if they failed to adapt. Don is a charming chap who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He’s currently used to life being handed to him, but he is certainly talented. His youth taught him a lot, and he had to take some hard knocks, aided by his ‘best pal Cosmo’. However, after a movie agent snaps him up, life has been easy. He has great support in Cosmo but doesn’t recognise the difficulties his friend faces. We join Don around the time his beliefs are questioned by an ambitious Kathy, which happens to coincide with the change from silent to ‘talkies’.
What should we expect?
This show has so many classic numbers in it that will leave you with a huge grin and humming along. If you’re unfamiliar with the show, I bet there’s a song you’ve heard but never realised it was in this production! This show is full of spectacular dance numbers that fill the stage and pay homage to those classic MGM production numbers. We’ve certainly dusted off our tap shoes for this piece. Our Director, Chris, has really created the feel of a movie set, with the place coming to life in between takes. I guarantee you’ll leave with a smile on your face and of course…. The iconic rain.
What is your favourite song in the musical?
There are moments in each piece I relish! If I had to pick, I think “Moses” would take the top spot for me. The song is incredibly catchy—it’s a fast-paced tap number with humour. The song itself doesn’t actually serve to further the plot but is an excellent example of the playfulness between Cosmo and Don, a display of their camaraderie. I remember watching the production on the West End, and this was the number I came away humming.
What has been the best moment in the rehearsals?
I’ve always enjoyed the social element that comes along with the rehearsals, and it’s been lovely to meet some new faces that I’m hoping I’ll see more of in the years to come. This shows rehearsals have been particularly demanding, due to the size of the role of Don, alongside a full-time job. But the support from the rest of the cast and team is excellent, even if they sometimes see me getting a little frustrated with myself!
A personal highlight: I can’t decide when I finally completed the Broadway Ballet from start to finish, which is a behemoth of a number. Or when Dan and I were practising Moses, but we couldn’t stop laughing. I better preface why! When you have a weekend-long rehearsal, delirium can settle in, and when that happens, the tiniest thing can give you the giggles. I couldn’t tell you why we were laughing, but it was that all-encompassing belly laughs you can’t stop.
Are you excited to perform at Norwich Theatre Royal?
It’s always a special moment to perform in your hometown, let alone the main regional theatre. I think this is part of what attracted me to this company in the first place. Singin’ in the Rain is absolutely the type of show to fill this theatre. I also had the privilege to perform here as a child, in pantomime as part of my dance school, and then later with the NNOS. I think this will be my 11th or 12th time treading these boards.
What are your pre-show rituals?
Prior to a show, I’m usually down a little bit earlier than the call to limber up and go through my tracks in my head (especially the first couple of shows). Then, I take part in the full physical and vocal warm-up, with a few extra vocal warm-ups I’ve been doing since drama school. I usually get shooed off the stage by the SM so they can get ready. I’m terrible at sitting still, so I like to be in costume and makeup as close to the 5-minute call as possible. I’ll probably spend the last 5 minutes before the beginners’ call making sure I have towels and water bottles in each of the quick change areas!
How did you get involved with NNOS?
I think I had just turned 15 for the West Side Story auditions. I’d had a friend who’d been part of the Titanic production the previous year, and I was desperate to get the chance to be part of a musical on the Norwich Theatre Royal stage. I went for the part of Baby John in the Jets and was fortunate enough to get the role. I pretty much associate that show with being the ‘penny drop’ moment when I knew I wanted to pursue musical theatre as a career.
It is NNOS’ 100th year. How do you feel being a part of this milestone?
It’s a group that, on and off, I’ve spent half my life with. They’ve always encouraged me to perform prior to attending drama school. I think that it’s in excellent hands with Chris Cuming at the helm of this production. I first met Chris during ‘Top Hat’ rehearsals back in 2017, another tap show! From previous experience, he has given us a challenge, and as a result, it’s going to be something we remember for decades to come.
You can catch Alex in Singin’ in the Rain between 28 Jan—1 Feb. For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
