About the show
Based on the popular 1990 romantic fantasy film "Ghost", the musical follows the story of Sam and Molly, a young couple deeply in love. However, their lives take a tragic turn when Sam is murdered. Despite his death, Sam's spirit remains on Earth and he discovers that he can communicate with Molly through a psychic named Oda Mae Brown. Together, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind Sam's murder and protect Molly from danger. Filled with themes of love, loss, and the afterlife, the musical combines drama, romance, and supernatural elements to create a captivating and emotional story.
Name and role: Sarah Vandenberg and Melanie Sestic. Sarah and Melanie are both playing the role of Molly Jensen.
Tell us about yourself: Sarah: I have always loved performing, At 9yrs old I started singing lessons with Sharon Muscat (at Sister2Sister School of Singing), I learnt a lot of vocal technique and really grew there. When I got older she started noticing and learning more theatre songs, watching lots of productions and fell in love with it all. My first community production - 13 The Musical! … After doing that I was hooked. I am in her final year at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, doing a Bachelor in Jazz Voice Performance and wants to explore some MD work in the future. Melanie: I was always involved in performing arts during her high school, in 2017 I went along on a whim with a fellow school mum to audition for Richmond Players Inc’s production of Beauty and the Beast. I was cast as Belle and immediately caught the bug! Having a creative outlet and sharing my passion for the arts and telling stories has proven to be very fulfilling - and fun! That said, I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with performing - it can be very scary - but the true sense of community and the bonds that are formed during the process are what keeps me coming back. Outside of theatre I am a proud mum of three rambunctious boys..
What can audiences look forward to when they come see the show? Sarah: There are a lot of tricks and magic in this show that we are all really excited about! It can also be really funny and there are some thrilling fight scenes. But I think what the audience can mostly look forward to in this show is being taken on a beautiful and emotional journey. This show has it all - joy, despair, anger, hope and, of course, love. What more could you want?
How has the rehearsal process been?
Sarah: This show has been an incredible experience. Our rehearsals really flew by actually!! I think growth has been a big thing for a lot of us this show. This is the largest role I’ve had and so it’s definitely a big step up, and I couldn’t be more grateful to everyone involved. Our prod team are very experienced and really open to collaborating which has been exciting. It’s allowed our lead cast to put the characters first and create a show that is moving and beautiful, but also believable. Mel and I have bonded so beautifully; much more than I could have ever imagined. We help each other grow and are constantly learning from one another, and I wouldn’t be where I am now without her.
Melanie: It has been a very rewarding rehearsal process. This is the first time I have played an understudy, and I could not have asked for a kinder and more generous person to understudy than Sarah. We have really bonded and supported each other in a way that I am really proud of. The whole cast and team are so talented and passionate and I have enjoyed learning from each and every one of them. It has been a very harmonious process and completely drama free (as far as I know)!
What do you like about the show? Why did you choose to be involved?
Sarah: A few years ago I was looking for an audition song for another show and I went to my singing teacher at the time, who showed me the most gorgeous and heart-breaking song. It was ‘With You’ from Ghost and I was HOOKED. I’d seen some of Blackout’s recent shows and was really impressed with the high calibre of the performers and the amazing production of it all. When I saw they were doing Ghost as their next show I couldn’t refuse. I then spent the next month with the soundtrack on repeat and really grew to love Molly. This role is an amazing vocal and acting challenge and I’ve absolutely adored every minute of it. Melanie: Ghost has always been one of my favourite movies - I grew up watching it. I mean, Patrick Swayze - need I say more?! But when I first heard the music of Ghost: The Musical, I really wanted to be a part of it. The songs are really beautiful. I was also excited about the opportunity to play a character like Molly and to delve into all the emotions that come with grief. The role presents a wonderful challenge as an actor.
Which cast member do you think audiences should keep an eye out for? Melanie: We think Liam Vicari is the cast member audiences should keep an eye out for. The intensity he brings as Subway Ghost is electrifying! Oda Mae's Sisters have some great lines, and very funny acting. They are worth watching for too. In fact, our whole cast have put in 150%! The choreography is amazing, the singing is incredible. Honestly, the cast as a whole create the most amazing show together.
What do you want the audience to think about? What is the message of the show? Sarah: The message of Ghost really, is simply about the power of love. Sam says you take the love with you. But it is also true that the love remains. In the end, it’s all that matters.
Blackout Theatre Company's production of Ghost: The Musical is at the Pioneer Theatre in Castle Hill from the 17th-26th of May. Melanie Performs as Molly Jensen on the 18th May. Please use this link for more inromation/ticketing.
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