Who is Luigi Lucente?
Luigi Lucente is the sum of many parts: actor, musician, singer, writer, dancer, recent yoga-enthusiast.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d attempt to master one single thing as opposed to starting multitudes of quests simultaneously.
Who inspires you and why?
I like free-thinkers. People who push the boundaries and aren’t bound by the pre-conceived barriers we all suffer from.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Eradicate bullying in schools – just imagine the ripple effect of that!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’ve only been there a handful of times but Byron Bay would have to rate as top of my list for a relaxing holiday; its incredible landscape, serenity and culture have quite the therapeutic effect. In contrast to that I can’t go past the immersive holiday experience that New York has to offer.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
We tend to start at one of our local café hotspots for a signature Melbourne coffee – then head towards Fitzroy and Carlton – stopping for more coffee, wine and good food.
What are you currently reading?
I’m making my way through a stack of research books and material on the life and trial of Leo Frank, in preparation for my role in the premiere production of Parade in September. It’s really quite fascinating reading and hard to believe that there hasn’t been a major motion picture adaptation made of his story. For leisure I’m also reading On Earth as It Is in Heaven by Davide Enia.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m all about acquiring vinyl at the moment – trawling through OP shops and vintage stores for the ultimate additions to my collection. Pink Floyds Dark Side of The Moon is getting plenty of airplay at the moment – alongside some Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, Roberta Flack & Debussy.
Happiness is?
Discovering something you love for the very first time.
What does the future hold for you?
The next few months involve trekking through the worlds of Jason Robert Brown’s Parade, Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins, alongside performing my show Jim Morrison: Kaleidoscope and composing songs for a new film project. Beyond that; hopefully much more of the same!
Luigi Lucente’s career spans stage, screen, music and dance. He recently completed the 4oth Anniversary tour of The Rocky Horror Show across Australia, and prior to this, was seen on stage playing the title role in Pippin for Magnormos in Melbourne, receiving a Theatre Pro Choice Best Actor Nomination.
Since making his professional musical theatre debut at age 20 in The Ambassador Theatre Group/Donmar Production of Guys and Dolls, Luigi has gone on to appear in Jersey Boys, Wicked, Assassins and The Last Five Years. He was also named a finalist in the 2011 ANZ Rob Guest Endowment.
Luigi performed for Stephen Schwartz in his Melbourne Forum, and has also appeared in cabaret with EMMY award winner Lance Horne. Screen credits include roles in Neighbours and The Pacific alongside a number of short films and commercials. An enthusiastic musician and songwriter, Luigi constantly performs and records in a range of music projects.
Luigi will shortly premiere a season of his new one-man show, Jim Morrison: Kaleidoscope for Perth’s His Majesty’s Theatre’s Cabaret Soiree 28 – 30 August 2014. For more information, visit: www.luigilucente.com.au for details.
Image: Luigi Lucente