Who is Antoinette Halloran?
Exactly – that is the question! Is she an opera diva or a music theatre tragic? Well the truth is that she is (and has always been) trapped somewhere between these two disparate worlds. The upshot is, I get to work with José Carreras in February singing operatic duets; in the meantime, I am singing in Some Enchanted Evening. Lucky me!
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Were I not pulled between these two worlds, I may have been taken more seriously in one of them… but I wouldn’t trade my career for anyone’s. I feel constantly challenged to find the integrity in all that I do in whatever genre I am working in.
Who inspires you and why?
People who are passionate about what they do – whether it’s saving lives or making great coffee! People who are positive and see the potential of a situation – not the limitations. People who don’t let age, creed or gender define them. That is why I love the theatre – it’s about illusion and art and high passions and impossible dreams – not numbers or race or limits.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would make everyone go to the theatre – see an opera, a symphony or a ballet. So many preconceived ideas keep people away from these wonderful, life-affirming events. I would make those who go to the footy or the rugby come to an opera – just once. And then they can decide if it is for them or not. I would try and restore art to its central place in society – not have it languishing on the sidelines while Aussie Rules reigns.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
NOOOOOOOOSSSSAAAAAA. We head there in two weeks! Gorgeous beaches, national parks, cafes and weather. I know that makes me sound like Prue or Trude – but I just love Noosa!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The Great Ocean Road. It never ceases to take my breath away.
What are you currently reading?
My sister’s third novel – The Science of Appearances by Jacinta Halloran. I am so proud of her. A Doctor and an artist – I can only boast of being a singer. As a performing artist, I have always believed that if you have some other skill to fall back on… you will fall back. It’s a tricky life to navigate. I have never acquired any other skills – so I am not tempted to fall back! However, my sister is a DOCTOR… and a fabulous novelist. I am filled with awe!
What are you currently listening to?
Playlists of Rodgers and Hammerstein to prepare for Some Enchanted Evening. I love the high romance – especially in this fast and cynical age. It takes me back to a simpler time when love was all I thought about – not mortgages and school shoes and the bloody American election!
Happiness is?
A sunny day. A stroll to my local village (Yarraville) with my family and the dog. A good latte. Some gardening whilst listening to great music or Alec Baldwin’s podcast. A glass of wine with a delicious dinner. Laughter. Chocolate and then bed to finish my sister’s excellent novel.
What does the future hold for you?
Who knows –
It’s only just out of reach
Down the block, on a beach
Under a tree
I got a feeling there’s a miracle due
Gonna come true
Coming to me
(thanks Sondheim…)
Antoinette will be starring alongside Jacqueline Dark, Dimity Shepherd, Jason Wasley and Andrew Jones in Some Enchanted Evening: The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein at the Athenaeum Theatre as part of the inaugural Melbourne Musical Theatre Festival: 6 – 28 January 2017. For more information, visit: www.melbournemusicaltheatrefestival.com for details.
Image: Antoinette Halloran