Amonik Melaco plays Action man in the new world premiere production of The McOnie Company’s Nutcracker, directed and choreographed by Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie featuring Tchaikovsky’s world-famous score reimagined for an on stage jazz band by multi-award winning jazz artist Cassie Kinoshi.
Nutcracker will be co-composed by Cassie Kinoshi and Rio Kai, with venue and set design by Soutra Gilmour, costume design by Ryan Hariette, sound design by Simon Baker, and casting by Will Burton CDG.
The cast for Nutcracker includes Amonik Melaco (Action Man), Sam Salter (Clive) and Patricia Zhou (Sugarplum) with Chanelle Anthony, Christie Crosson, Tim Hodges, Lukas Hunt and Rachel Muldoon.
You’re starring in Nutcracker at the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club, what can you tell us about the show?
The most important thing to know is that the show will be like nothing else you’ve seen before, and I mean that in every sense. From the venue, the costumes, the choreography, the genre, it’s a complete reimagining of not only the story of Nutcracker, but also the experience of live theatre as a whole.
What was it about this innovative version that made you want to be part of it?
Honestly, as soon as my agent contacted me to check my interest in the project, it was a pretty easy decision. All they had to say was that it was a Drew McOnie show and I was onboard straight away! The McOnie company is such a prestigious and exciting company to be a part of so really that was why I knew I had to say yes!
How well do you think Tchaikovsky’s world-famous score blends with jazz?
The original Tchaikovsky score for The Nutcracker is so iconic in the dance and theatre world, and the way Cassie Kinoshi has adapted and reimagined the score is truly inspired. I am in awe of how one person’s brain can be that intuitive and is a capable of blending two opposing genres of music with such finesse. It’s always entertaining to see the audience’s reactions when they recognise the original melodies within Cassie’s new jazz score.
You’re playing Action Man, how would you describe the role and what are you loving about it?
Action Man is such a fun part to play. I think by changing the Nutcracker doll into an Action Man doll, Drew has really brought the story up to date for a modern world. We first see Action Man in the midst of a battle, dressed head to toe in army gear, ultimately representing the epitome of masculinity, but as he navigates his new friendship with Clive we see his tough bravado start to dissipate and he learns to accept his feminine side too. I think this is such an important message for all men in the real world, as often we feel pressured to be the ‘tough guy’, but Action Man shows audiences that there is no definitive handbook to being a man, and that men can wear pink too!
And what do you think will be most challenging?
For me I think the stamina will definitely be the biggest challenge! This show is truly non-stop from start to finish, and because there’s only six of us onstage, and with the audience being so close, there really is nowhere to hide! Having said that, I don’t think I’d want it any other way. The whole concept of the show is that the audience are thrust into this world of technicolour for an intense night of theatre and so I think the pace only adds to the thrill of the experience.
What’s it like working with choreographer and director Drew McOnie?
Working with Drew is a dream! His knowledge of dance and storytelling is limitless and he always leads us with such grace, generosity and most importantly calmness. His choreography always feels so good in the body and he really does take care of his company like no one else. I mostly love how his choreography is always story led, so that you have clear motives and acting beats for each section of dance.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Nutcracker?
Do not hesitate! I defy you to find another show that is as innovative, entertaining and vibrant as this one!
