The Directors Corner: Edition 3- The Soundtrack

One of the keys to the success of this musical is undoubtedly the music, it is truly a soundtrack that has captivated generation after generation. So for a production of Grease it is imperative to have someone capable in command of recreating the iconic sounds of the 1950's while still adding a personal flare and stamping a production with unique touches and individuality.

At the helm of music in this production is Lucas D. Lynch who is a current student of Classical Piano at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and as well as his studies is repetiteur for Queensland Ballet and Queensland Dance of Excellence. He has worked with RMT since 2012 in which he was assistant-conductor for The Pirates of Penzance before going on to work on productions such as The Phantom of the Opera,  
 Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wizard of Oz, Pirates of Penzance (ROAR) and Cinderella.  


I myself have had the pleasure of working with Lucas since Pirates in 2012 and have worked with him closely over the past, he is a real mastermind and will continue to work at the highest level in musical direction when he graduates later this year. I'm so thrilled to have him as a part of the team for this production and as my partner in this and so many other ventures, wait until you hear the rocking band he has assembled. I've worked with many orchestra's over the years and this ensemble of musicians gave me chills when I first heard them a few weeks ago. So without further delay, I give you my sit down with the wonderful Lucas D. Lynch... 

Lucas, you come from a classical background studying at the Queensland Conservatorium, how is it musically directing a rock musical? 

Coming from years and years of studying classical music and now musically directing a rock show, has proved a challenge. I've had to work hard with the score and challenge myself to work freer with the music. However, rock is not totally foreign to me as I was principle keyboard from the recent RMT production of JC Superstar and having a family background in modern music did help too (thanks dad!).



You've worked on a few musicals now, what makes this cast different to work with ?



This cast is an absolute wonder! Right at the beginning I knew most of them from various situations, but with a bunch of new faces and this group, it truly is a Musical Director's dream cast. They are very responsive and have great input to their characters. I still continue to commend them in their efforts as I try to push for something beyond their expectations as singers. They know I'm hard to please as I constantly expect the best... But they continue to do produce wonderful things to which I'm always so impressed! 


What are your favourite parts of this show to work on?


My favourite parts of the show is working with the entire ensemble on the big numbers. Nothing is more impressive then a big body of sound, especially by this great cast. However, if I'm to play favourites for a moment, the greatest feeling comes from working with individual leads on the sentimental (or power hit) solos and work as a team to find that sound. I speak to the readers when I say, just you wait for Shonagh Hale's heart ripping performance of "There are worse things..." and Genevieve Tree's "Hopelessly Devoted".


Why should audiences come and see this incarnation of Grease? 

The audience needs to see the sheer level of talent from this amazing YOUTH group. Come see our brilliant band, our great set and costumes. Come watch all the pieces of the puzzle come together for a performance that you won't forget. All this great work has been masterminded by my work partner-in-crime Thomas Armstrong-Robley. Come see our vision!



You can catch Lucas with his rock orchestra along with Adam Goodall as Danny, Genevieve Tree as Sandy and the rest of the gang from Rydell High this June 12th & 13th only. Tickets on sale NOW, for more information click below.