Who is Ethan Jones?
A flirt. A believer of good defeating evil; optimism is so on trend right now! A lover of cooking and rollerskating. A deep thinker but also an idiot. The first to see the funny side of everything, which is a blessing and a curse. I don’t take myself seriously, if at all.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Living as “Doctor Jones” would be hot. But I’m far too distractable to be responsible for a human life. My brother and sister are in the medical profession so I’ll leave it to them. Perhaps a lawyer? Or a counsellor? I suppose the theme is helping people. Also, why choose one job when I get to fake them on stage all the time! 7 years of study or 7 seconds to put on a white coat. Work smart not hard, kids.
Who inspires you and why?
I have an incredible group of friends and a wonderful family. The people around me challenge me and make me a better person. They say ‘smart people change their minds’, and I’m aiming to defy the idea of getting old and stuck in my ways – my friends keep me accountable to that. Far from perfect but always trying to be better and leave things better than I found them. Speaking more generally, anyone I see with passion, drive, and relentless ambition. That stuff gives me mad compersion.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Give kids a more holistic learning experience! English, Science, and Math are great, but so is Philosophy, Art and Meditation. If we are cultivating future members of the community, I vote for empathetic critical thinkers.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’ve had some silly times in South East Asia. I might not be allowed back into Thailand. Actually there’s a few venues in Las Vegas I’m banned from… A complete misunderstanding, I swear. A lot of these trips were with the same group of people, and I think that’s what makes ANY trip: the company you’re with.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Growing up on the Gold Coast in QLD, the obvious choice was the theme parks. But hands down the most memorable trip is out the back of Tallebudgera Valley off a beaten track to the waterfalls. Catch it after a night of rain and it’s a magical experience. Hit me up and I’ll show you where! You just have to bring a willingness for adventure (swimmers would be good too but not a prerequisite).
What are you currently reading?
The Wild Beyond The Witchlight… It’s a Dungeons and Dragons Adventure Module. I’m a nerd, get over it! To be honest I used to poke fun at the idea of role-playing games (board games to be specific), but since I started I’ve been hooked. Basically DnD is a collaborative storytelling game where one person plays the narrator and supporting cast while everyone else plays a main character. It’s a riot. Give it a go!
What are you currently listening to?
Nathan Merriweather’s Lovage: Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By. To me it’s a perfect example of not taking yourself seriously, but taking the art seriously. I think that’s a mantra for life… it might even be a butchered Frank Zappa quote.
Happiness is?
… a warm gun? But that’s a bit morbid. Happiness is fleeting, or rather, a gift? By in large life is great, but it’s also tough at times, and strange, and scary! and CONFUSING! And all of this makes it beautiful. Text book happiness might be hard to come by, but just getting to experience the dynamic nature of life makes me happy. Also vegan magnum ice-cream.
What does the future hold for you?
Traveling the country working with superstars putting on life-changing theatre! I’m eager to share up-coming projects, but also ready to shoot over to London once there’s a break in the schedule to tread the boards of the West End. Eventually I’ll write a one-man show, but my perfectionist traits are keeping that at a slow tease.
Ethan stars as Joe in Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical – currently playing at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre until 8 May, before playing Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre – QPAC from 22 May and the State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne from 10 July 2022. For more information, visit: www.9to5themusical.com.au for details.
Image: Ethan Jones (supplied)