In case you’re wondering how a cartoon book becomes a musical, the original novelty book was written by Aleksander Vass back in the ’90s. Producer Malcolm Cooke was inspired by the title and commissioned writer and composer Derek Rowe to create a musical with a story and characters based on the subject. Sara Grenfell directs. Touted as ‘fresh, fun and fabulously flirty’, the show is placed in the fast-paced world of a professional married couple in their mid-30s, Joe (Lyall Brooks) and Sam (Nicole Melloy). There’s no space for seduction amid juggling school runs, work schedules and their personal exercise regimes. “It’s a new musical for the Friends generation,” says Belling. “They’re all having kids now. They’re dealing with exactly these things in their lives. This life didn’t come with instructions. There’ll be a lot of nodding and squirming in the audience. On top of that there’s the music – the songs are great.”
Belling reckons she was instantly charmed by the script. “I came for the audition and giggled the whole way through. It’s a very funny show. It’s thoughtful. I’m thrilled I’m doing it. It’s exactly what we need right now – there’s so much shit in the world. In this show you’re a little bit confronted by reality but not really. Stop watching reality TV. Come and challenge reality.” Both performers are convinced that Sexercise – The Musical will have broad appeal. “Audiences won’t just be traditional theatre goers,” says Holland. “People will laugh and people will blush but no-one will be uncomfortable. It’s got everything – it would make a great hens’ night out.” Beat raises an eyebrow here – this mightn’t be such a recommendation. But the show avoids charges of cheesiness according to the actors. How so? “Because these are real things and real people,” says Belling. “Everyone out there has a story – it’s real. There will always be couples going through shit. We all love to know that someone else is going through it too. It’s a musical for those who don’t like musicals. Couples. From tradies to actors, people will come in and find something in these characters. It’s a perfect first date movie.” Holland takes up the theme: “The subject matter portrayed is rife for cheesiness and stereotype but one of the joys of this musical is that the audience can share the characters’ journeys.”
The two actors say they feel kinship with the authenticity of their characters. “We’re playing people the same age as us,” adds Holland. “Mid to late-30’s. My character is a great example of one who could be played as a stereotype; he’s a player in the truest sense of the word, but he’s ageing, he’s 36 now, and his heart’s no longer in the game of chasing 23 year old girls. We meet him at a point of crisis. But there’s enormous potential for him to become a better person. It deals with that issue, and much more, but playfully.” “He’s a cad,” says Belling. “But he defies expectations.” “Despite his failings there’s something inherently likeable about him,” adds Holland. So is Holland a player himself? “I have an understanding of him! I’ve been playing in bands for many years now. As an older person, I’m out of place amongst younger people. I know that experience. Shane is so dedicated to remaining youthful, he primps and preens, wanting to pursue his quarry – it almost defines his character. I hope I embody the character to the extent that I can find that within myself as well. And he’s got great fashion sense.” “The casting is sublime,” says Belling. “We’ve been laughing at how everyone is exactly like their character.” What do these two actors especially like about their roles? “Each character is going through a crisis re relationships,” answers Holland. “The fun of it is watching the characters grapple with their problems. Everyone can relate to these Melbourne, inner-urban mid to late 30s, first kid – the pressure.” “People do things out of their comfort zone,” Belling adds. “Kristin’s character, Shane, is a player, he’s an introvert, and he’s self-loathing. My character, Rhonda, is an extravert and she has an intriguing past. A lot of men would shy away from her – she’s formidable. That’s why she does internet dating. She sees a lot of guys; she likes some, some she discards. I too have an intriguing past. I’m having a lot of fun playing Rhonda. She’s very forceful. In my later years of being an actor, I’m more fearless with my choices now. My sense of self – that’s Rhonda.”
The joke book, Sexercise, will be on sale at the theatre so patrons can go home and practice what they’ve seen on stage. The last word’s with Belling: “If everyone took the book home and did it, there’d be a lot more love.”
BY LIZA DEZFOULI
