Who is Genevieve McCarthy?
I am an actress and singer who works in musical theatre and voice, both here in Australia and in London. I am also one-half of MM Creative Productions, Perth’s newest female-led theatrical production company.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Before working as an actress, I was a lawyer at an international law firm. I learnt very quickly that my colleagues didn’t share my appreciation for musical theatre… Apparently, it’s not so cool to hum show tunes in an open plan office! Safe to say my law career was short-lived – I had one of those classic movie moments one day at work when I realised how much I loved performing and quit on the spot. I packed my bags and moved to London to train at the Royal Academy of Music just three weeks later!
Who inspires you and why?
I take inspiration from a myriad of places… But I am constantly inspired by my fellow artists. Developing new musical theatre is my absolute favourite thing to do. It is such a thrill to originate a role and work closely with the composer, lyricist, director, choreographer and a talented team of artists to create musical theatre magic. I was so lucky in London to work with the incredible Steven Sater on his new musical Murder at the Gates and originate the role of Aphrodite in Mythic – recording the original London cast recording was a ‘pinch me’ moment and the creative process on both projects was so inspiring!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
That’s such a big question! One little thing I try to do every day to make the world a slightly better place – is being kind. It sounds simple, but it goes a long way.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
This is a very long list… But it’s hard to beat the mountains of Slovenia, the pasta in Italy or the culture and beaches of Thailand.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
In London, I would take them to a show at the National Theatre, followed by a stroll along the Southbank to Soho for a yummy Italian feast at Bocca di Lupo… It doesn’t get better!
What are you currently reading?
I just turned the last page on Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m currently listening to Disney on repeat in preparation for MM Creative Productions’ next project, Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.
Happiness is?
Good food, good wine, friends and family.
What does the future hold for you?
It’s so hard to know what the future holds right now in the arts industry! For MM Creative Productions, Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish is just around the corner, as the show opens at the end of October at Riverside Theatre in Perth. Beyond that, I feel so lucky to work alongside my friend and fellow performer Amy Manford every day – together we have started devising a very exciting 2022 for MM Creative Productions. We feel blessed to be working with Disney right now, and have collaborations with some wonderful artists and orchestras in the pipeline for next year. Stay tuned!
Genevieve will co-produce and perform in Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish at the Riverside Theatre – Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre: 29 – 30 October 2021. For more information, visit: www.mmcreativeproductions.com for details.
Image: Genevieve McCarthy (supplied)