James Millar (Australian actor)

Last updated

James Millar
Born (1980-01-21) 21 January 1980 (age 43)
Sydney, Australia
GenresMusical theatre, cabaret
Occupation(s)Actor, singer, writer, lyricist

James Millar (born 21 January 1980) is an Australian actor, singer and writer. He wrote the musical drama The Hatpin , the song cycle LOVEBiTES and co-wrote the semi autobiographical musical A Little Touch of Chaos.

Contents

Biography

Millar earned a degree in writing at the University of Technology Sydney and a degree in performance at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2004. [1]

While studying in Perth, he was directed and tutored by a number of notable Australian performers such as David King, Tony Sheldon, Nick Enright, Roma Conway, Rhys McConnochie, Adam Cook, John Milson and Nancye Hayes. Prior to graduating, he starred in the original recording and premiere performance of Up by Eddie Perfect, Susannah, Spurboard, The Pajama Game, Pacific Overtures, Perfectly Frank, The Crucible, Fiddler on the Roof and The Wild Party.

While in Western Australia, he also appeared in Morning Melodies at His Majesty's Theatre in Perth, Assassins and Piangere.

In 2010, Millar and collaborator Peter Rutherford were commissioned to workshop and produce their third book musical A Little Touch of Chaos at WAAPA. [2] In 2013, Millar was invited to direct WAAPA's production of Assassins, by the third year Music Theatre students which opened in August 2013. [3]

For television, Millar has played roles in Home and Away , Police Rescue , A Country Practice , The Leaving of Liverpool , The Investigators (ABC TV), Water Rats and Neil Armfield's tele-film Naked: Coral Island .

He was featured in the award-winning film The Eternity Man directed by Julien Temple in 2008.

Cabaret

Millar completed a degree in Writing at the University of Technology in Sydney, and has subsequently penned a number of original cabaret shows such as Moments of Breathtaking Stupidity which he performed with Verity Hunt-Ballard in both Sydney and Melbourne in 2004, The Story Goes On for Amanda Harrison, Poison Soprano, Ten Things I Hate About Cabaret, Impossible Blonde, and Amelia Cormack's Love For Sale which enjoyed four return seasons. [1]

He was also the winner of the 2004 Premiere Cabaret Showcase in Sydney which resulted in the performance of his second cabaret show, Other People's Stories, followed by a tour with celebrated Australian actor Amanda Muggleton in the cabaret Naughty.

Millar also performed in a vocal trio with fellow actors Ian Stenlake and Scott Irwin called "Bravo".

In cabaret circles, he is known for his appearance in ShowQueen Sessions which toured Sydney and Melbourne. [4]

In March 2010, Millar featured in Another Opening Another Show at Chapel off Chapel in Melbourne and ShowStoppers produced by Lisa and David Campbell's company Luckiest Productions.

Millar joined Doctor Zhivago star Lucy Maunder in a production of Noel and Gertie. This production is based on the diaries and letters of Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence. [5] It was featured at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in May 2013.

In 2013 Millar wrote the cabaret Up Close and Reasonably Personal for Wicked, We Will Rock You star Amanda Harrison. [6] which continues to tour.

Musical theatre

He has previously appeared in Oklahoma! for The Production Company at the State Theatre in Melbourne, The Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie for Company B Belvoir directed by Neil Armfield, starred in both seasons of the comedy BoyBand in Sydney, played the principal role of Frederic Vern in the world premiere production of Eureka at Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre for the Melbourne International Arts Festival, recorded and toured with ShowQueen: Live in both Sydney and Melbourne, starred in the critically acclaimed song cycle LoveBites, and played the role of Peter in Sondheim's Company at Sydney's Theatre Royal.

Millar was cast in the defunct production of Floyd Collins for the Kookaburra Theatre Company, however he, like the rest of the cast made himself available for a one-off concert performance on 3 May 2010. [7] This production also starred Peter Cousens, Michael Falzon, Trisha Crowe and Queenie van de Zandt.

In 2009, Millar performed in the Australian premiere of the off-Broadway musical Gutenberg! The Musical! , starred as Chucky in Jerry Springer: The Opera at the Sydney Opera House, and appeared at Sydney's Ensemble Theatre in the lead role of Mitchell Green in the premiere of The Little Dog Laughed by Douglas Carter Beane. [1]

He also featured in the Australian Premiere of Grey Gardens for The Production Company, The Ring Cycle at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and toured the UK in Chess as Molokov in 2013.

In April 2014, Millar was announced for the ensemble cast of the US arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar , starring Ben Forster and John Lydon. [8] However, the tour was subsequently cancelled. [9]

In April 2015, it was announced that Millar would play Miss Trunchbull in the Australian premiere season of Matilda the Musical opening in Sydney in July.

He followed this successful run with a star turn as Alan Bennett opposite Miriam Margolyes in the Melbourne Theatre Company’s “The Lady in the Van”.

In 2023, Millar was invited to direct Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide, South Australia.

BBC Radio Voice of Musical Theatre

In 2006 he was invited to Cardiff for BBC Radio 2's "Voice of Musical Theatre", one of only a select few international artists featured to perform each year. [1]

The Hatpin

In 2006 and 2007, Millar wrote and developed the musical The Hatpin alongside composer Peter Rutherford, based on a series of infanticides committed in Sydney by John and Sarah Makin (renamed Agatha and Charles for the show) in 1892, as well as the attempts by single mother Amber Murray to find justice for her son Horace. [10]

The Hatpin opened at the Seymour Centre in Sydney on 27 February 2008 to mild acclaim. The production starred Peter Cousens, Caroline O'Connor, Michelle Doake, Gemma-Ashley Kaplan, Barry Crocker, and Melle Stewart. [11] A cast album was released in 2008 by Neil Gooding Productions [12]

In 2008, The Hatpin was accepted into the New York Musical Theatre Festival where it played in reduced-format with a US cast at The American Theatre of Actors. [13]

LOVEBiTES

Following the success of The Hatpin, Millar teamed up again with Rutherford for the song cycle LOVEBiTES in 2008. Millar appeared as a performer in the production along with Octavia Barron Martin, Tyler Burness and Sarah Croser. [14] The production received a revival in 2009.

LOVEBiTES returned in 2009 where it earned two Glug nominations and a season at Perth's Playhouse in 2010. The Perth cast again included Millar, with Amelia Cormack, David Harris and Sophia Ragavelas. [15] An official cast recording was done with the 2009 cast and released in February 2010 [16]

Audio books

In London, Millar recorded several audiobooks as a narrator, including 1912: The History of Antarctica, Stranger Than Fiction for Lonely Planet and The Rosie Project as well as multiple audiobook works for the RNIB.

Awards

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rob Mills</span> Australian singer

Robert Mills is an Australian actor, television host and singer-songwriter. He was one of the finalists from the first season of Australian Idol. He co-hosted the late-night quiz show The Mint, and was a regular singer on the game show The Singing Bee both on the Nine Network. Mills took part in the ninth season of Dancing with the Stars, and appeared on Celebrity Apprentice. In 2008, Mills won the lead male role of Fiyero in a production of Wicked, and continued the role when it moved around Australia. He has since starred in a number of popular large scale musical theatre productions. In 2012, Mills was announced as the host of Network Ten's revamped Young Talent Time. He played teacher Finn Kelly on Neighbours from 2017 until 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lisa McCune</span> Australian actress

Lisa McCune is an Australian actress, known for her role in TV series Blue Heelers as Senior Constable Maggie Doyle, and in Sea Patrol as Lieutenant Kate McGregor RAN. She has won four Gold Logie Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marina Prior</span> Australian soprano and actress

Marina Prior is an Australian soprano and actress with a career mainly in musical theatre. From 1990 to 1993, she starred as the original Christine Daaé in the Australian premiere of The Phantom of the Opera, opposite Anthony Warlow and later Rob Guest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hayden Tee</span> Australian actor-musician

Hayden Tee is a New Zealand actor, singer, and makeup artist. He has played varied roles in musical theatre, concert and cabaret. He is based in the United States but has also performed in New Zealand, the UK, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Simon Burke</span> Australian actor

Simon Gareth Burke is an Australian actor, active in films, television and theatre.

Virginia Gay is an Australian actress, writer and director, mostly known for her work on the Australian TV dramas Winners & Losers, and All Saints.

<i>The Hatpin</i>

The Hatpin is a musical by James Millar and Peter Rutherford (composer). It was inspired by the true story of Amber Murray who in 1892 gave up her son to the Makin family in Sydney, Australia. Written and developed in 2006–2007, The Hatpin opened at the York Theatre, Seymour Centre in Sydney on 27 February 2008. The musical has received subsequent productions in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amanda Harrison</span> Australian actress and singer

Amanda Harrison is an Australian actress and singer, known for her roles in Wicked (Elphaba), We Will Rock You, and for originating the role of Paula Pokrifki in the world premiere of An Officer and a Gentleman. She has performed in cabaret several times, including her current production Up Close and Reasonably Personal which she is expected to perform at Melbourne Cabaret Festival in June 2014 and recently David Harris, Michael Ball, Lea Salonga and Marie Zamora for Enda Markey Presents Do You Hear The People Sing at Shanghai Grand Theatre. She voiced characters for Get Ace an animation series released in January 2014. She appeared with Mig Ayesa, Michael Falzon and Carly Thomas-Smith for three performances of The Music of Queen - Rock and Symphonic Spectacular. The concert series began on 7 February 2014, at Sydney Opera House supported by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra before three performances in Perth, Western Australia between 13–15 February.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucy Durack</span> Australian actress (born 1982)

Lucy Durack is an Australian actress, singer and television personality who played Glinda in the Australian production of Wicked, and Elle Woods in the Australian production of Legally Blonde: The Musical. She starred as Tugger in Australian television drama Doctor Doctor in 2016 and as Roxy Karibas in Sisters in 2017.

Tony Sheldon is an Australian actor/singer best known for his work in theatre; he is also a writer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trevor Ashley</span> American actor

Trevor Ashley is an Australian musical theatre actor, cabaret and drag artist based in Sydney. He also has appeared on television in The Very Trevor Ashley Show.

Jemma Rix is an Australian theatre performer, who has played the role of Elphaba in the Melbourne, Sydney, Australian and Asian touring companies of Wicked. Rix first performed the role in the shortened 30-minute version of the show at Universal Studios Japan. She was an original cast member of the Australian premiere production as the standby for Elphaba.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Harris (Australian actor)</span> Australian Broadway actor and singer (born 1975)

David Harris is an Australian actor and singer, currently based in New York City. He is currently performing on stage in Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway as the Duke. In Australia, he is best known for his Australian performances as Chris in Miss Saigon, Fiyero in Wicked and Emmett in Legally Blonde having received Helpmann Award nominations for all three leading roles. Harris also starred as the Baker in Victorian Opera's production of Into the Woods and, in America, as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables opposite Terrence Mann in 2015. He has released two solo albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Falzon (actor)</span> Australian actor and singer (1972–2020)

Michael Falzon was an Australian musical theatre/rock tenor actor, and producer, who ran his own production company, Good Egg Creative.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucy Maunder</span> Australian cabaret and theatre performer

Lucy Maunder is an Australian cabaret and theatre performer. She originated the role of Lara in the Australian premiere of Doctor Zhivago opposite Anthony Warlow, and has toured with her own cabaret Songs in the Key of Black, releasing an album with the same name. Maunder toured with the national touring company of Grease playing the role of Rizzo. She then starred in the role of Miss Honey in the Australian tour of Matilda the Musical, replacing Elise McCann. She is currently starring in the Australian production of Fun Home, in the adult lead role.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gretel Scarlett</span> Australian actress and performer (born 1987)

Gretel Scarlett Jahnke, known as Gretel Scarlett is an Australian actress and performer. Having appeared in theatre productions including Wicked and Mamma Mia!, she is best known for starring as Sandy in the 2013–2015 Australian production of Grease and Kathy Selden in the 2016/2017 Australian production of Singin' in the Rain which opened at Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne. She most recently appeared in Disney's Frozen as the Elsa understudy.

Suzie Mathers is a Scottish-Australian actress and theatre performer best known for her role as Glinda the Good Witch in the Australian, Asian tour, and London productions of Wicked as well Sophie in the 10th Anniversary Australian tour of Mamma Mia! the Musical. Spouse: Laura Francis (7/3/2019)

Ainsley Melham is an Australian actor, best known as a former member of Australian children's musical group Hi-5 from 2013 to 2016 and for playing the title role in Disney's Aladdin in Australia and later on Broadway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elise McCann</span>

Elise McCann is an Australian actress and musical theatre performer most well known for originating the role of Miss Honey in the Australian production of Matilda the Musical and as Lucille Ball in Everybody Loves Lucy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Rathgeber</span> Australian actor and singer

Alex Rathgeber is an Australian actor and singer, perhaps best known for his Helpmann Award-winning performance as Billy Crocker in Anything Goes. More recently he appeared as the Tin Man in Andrew Lloyd Webber's revival of The Wizard of Oz.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Authors" . Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  2. ↑ Troy Dodds (28 September 2010). "Third Millar/Rutherford musical to premiere". Aussie Theatre. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
  3. ↑ "Assassins". WAAPA. Archived from the original on 25 September 2013. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
  4. ↑ Vito Mattarelli (19 January 2009). "Showqueen | Trevor Ashley". Australian Stage. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  5. ↑ "James Millar & Lucy Maunder to Lead NOEL & GERTIE at Adelaide Festival Centre's Space Theatre". Broadway World. 28 May 2013. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
  6. ↑ David Allen (21 September 2013). "Amanda Harrison: Wife, Mother, Diva – Up Close and Reasonably Personal". Aussie Theatre. Archived from the original on 23 September 2013. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
  7. ↑ Diana Simmonds (5 May 2010). "Floyd Collins". Stage Noise. Retrieved 3 April 2013.
  8. ↑ Carlos Garcia (5 April 2014). ""Jesus Christ Superstar" Lyrics & Tour Dates, Cast & Ticket Information: 70's Rock Opera Musical Coming Back". Latin Post. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  9. ↑ "Jesus Christ Superstar U.S. Arena Tour Abruptly Canceled". 30 May 2014.
  10. ↑ Kate Herbert (20 May 2011). "Review: The Hatpin, Magnormos". Herald Sun. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
  11. ↑ Brett Casben (1 March 2008). "The Hatpin". Australian Stage. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
  12. ↑ "The Hatpin (Original Cast Recording)". iTunes . 16 September 2008. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
  13. ↑ "The Hatpin Review". 17 September 2008. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
  14. ↑ Diana Simmons (21 June 2008). "LOVEBITES". Stage Noise. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  15. ↑ Erin James (26 June 2010). "LoveBites opens in Perth". Aussie Theatre. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  16. ↑ "Love bites / music [by] Peter Rutherford ; book & lyrics [by] James Millar". National Library of Australia. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  17. ↑ Bryce Hallett (28 November 2009). "An encore performance: Cabaret Showcase returns". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  18. ↑ "2006 Green Room Recipients". Australian Stage. 2 April 2007. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  19. ↑ "Sydney 2008". Short + Sweet Song. Archived from the original on 17 March 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  20. ↑ Diana Simmons (21 December 2008). "Sydney Theatre Awards". Stage Noise. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  21. ↑ "Green Room Awards 2009". Green Room Awards. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  22. ↑ "Helpmann Awards 2016: Matilda the Musical wins record 13 awards, Stephen Page honoured". ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). 25 July 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.