Jemma Rix Interview (Ghost the Musical)
Impulse Gamer recently caught up with the very talented Jemma Rix who plays Molly Jensen in Ghost the Musical who not only channels her inner Demi Moore but creates her own version of the character which is equally as compelling, strong and filled with raw emotion.
So welcome to Impulse Gamer Jemma and the first question that we would like to know is how did you become involved in Ghost the Musical?
I first heard of Ghost the Musical back in 2012 after a friend had downloaded the soundtrack and she said that you have to hear this music because it’s your kind of voice. At that time, I was doing Wicked the Musical in Korea so I downloaded the soundtrack and completely fell in love with it. So where I was living in Korea at the time was quite a distance away to the theatre so we had to catch the bus. So pretty much every single day I listened to the soundtrack of Ghost on the way to work so I was basically obsessed with it <laugh>.
We’ve heard that your audition for Ghost was a little different?
I think Ghost the Musical was meant to be coming to Australia at the end of 2012 or the beginning of 2013 and I was like oh my gosh, I have to be in it and then it didn’t end up coming for some reason which left me devastated. Then randomly while I was overseas in Europe with my husband having a holiday, my agent e-mailed me and said that they were auditioning for Ghost in just 10 days and I was in Italy <laugh>.
I was absolutely devastated again because I was like oh my gosh, I wanted to audition for Molly. I had to do a video audition and ended up catching a train from Paris to London because that’s where the creative team were from. I also flew from Spain back to London which was a massive process and although it took time away from my holiday, it also showed them how much I wanted the role so I did whatever it took and I’m glad it paid off.
Can you walk us through your training regime for Ghost?
At the start we had acting classes to help us get to know the material and the techniques which helps you prepare for day one of rehearsals. Then you can focus more on the acting side when you get some direction, rather than your vocal technique. So I was pretty prepared on day one and ready to learn and soak everything up like a sponge which helped. I also exercise all the time so being fit and healthy is very important when you’re doing eight shows a week.
Did you get a chance to see the musical?
When I got cast, Millsy (Rob Mills) and I actually got to Singapore to watch the show with some of the London and American based performers. It was awesome to see the whole show and we actually got to watch it twice which was great. It’s amazing to get that experience first and see all the illusions which is nice as an audience member as you can delve into it and then get into your character later on.
What’s it like working with Millsy as Sam?
He’s fantastic! We’ve known each other for a long time as we were both in the original version of Wicked back in 2008. So I’ve worked with him for a long time and he’s a great energy, funny and so talented. This role is perfect for him and he’s just doing an amazing job and I’m thoroughly enjoying working with him.
Being a fan of the original film, was Molly always a favourite of yours?
I loved the original film and watched it heaps as a kid. I liked everything about it but I think what connected me the most to Molly was when I heard the music from the musical. That was what connected me to Molly because it was my voice style and it really made me want to play that character.
What do you think makes the musical so unique?
I think it’s because the story is so strong but what adds to the musical and heightens the story is the music itself. My husband never saw the film before I got cast so I said you have to watch it <laugh>. So he watched the film with me and then he obviously watched the musical. He said that he actually liked the musical more because it was like watching the film on stage but the music adds more emotion to the story. So yeah, I think it’s the music because it’s so well written and has pop, rock and even soul in it which has lots of elements and really lifts the emotion.
So what’s your favourite song Jemma?
The one that I like the most is probably “With You” and the reason why I like it is that the song is absolutely beautiful and so powerful. I also like the concept of it because the show is very “speccy” and there’s lots of amazing technology, lighting and illusions happening but then there’s this one moment in the show which is me leaning on a couch. As I sing with the beautiful piano and strings, it’s really simple, powerful and emotional. I think this song adds balance to the show as you’ve got a bit of simplicity yet it’s still so strong. It’s a really beautiful moment in the show.
What did you think of the special effects?
That’s why it was really good to see to the musical in Singapore because as an audience member, you’re like how are they doing this? You literally have no idea and when you’re at rehearsals watching all these things happen without all the smoke and mirrors, you’re like ooooh <laugh>. I think they’ve really done an amazing job which makes you question how they do these amazing tricks with illusions. So yeah, there’s a lot of magic in the show.
The story of Ghost is quite an emotional story, are there a lot of tears in the audience?
Oh Yeah! That’s my job and when I see people at the stage door who say they’ve cried, I go awesome because I’ve done my job. Wendy Mae Brown who plays Oda Mae Brown brings the laughs and I bring the tears <laugh>. So if people have cried then I’ve succeeded.
For everybody and unfortunately this is part of life. You lose people which is how this story affects the audience in some way because they can relate to these emotions and feelings. They are very powerful for the audience so I really respect that and with 8 shows a week, I make sure I give them the performance I deserve.
So did your husband cry Jemma?
He told me he didn’t cry but he also said he had this strange feeling in this throat <laugh>.
Thanks again Jemma and all the best with the tour for Ghost the Musical!
Follow Jemma on Twitter at https://twitter.com/jemmarixoz and check out Ghost the Musical at http://www.ghostthemusical.com.au/
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