On the Couch with Mike Snell

Mike Snell Arts Review On the CouchWho is Mike Snell?
I am a dreamer. I am constantly striving to follow my dreams at any cost. I started dancing at 17 years of age and came straight out of High School ready to conquer the performing arts industry. After working overseas on a cruise ship and dancing in Tokyo for 14 months I landed my dream job in Hugh Jackman’s, The Boy From Oz. I couldn’t believe my life. Growing up in Montmorency and then all of a sudden performing every night next to Wolverine. I was pinching myself. From there I went on to work on shows such as Miss Saigon, Wicked, Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Pippin, Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom and currently playing Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever. I still have to pinch myself that I go to ‘work’ everyday.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I wouldn’t do anything different workwise but what I would do differently if I could turn back time is probably stop being so negative toward myself if I doubt myself or if I make a mistake in life. Being a perfectionist can be detrimental to yourself and others around you.

Who inspires you and why?
Kelley Abbey inspires me. Not only because of her epic career. I’ve been lucky enough to work with her on The Boy From Oz, Channel Ten’s, I Will Survive and Strictly Ballroom. She is so passionate, creative and just has this magical way of making you want to work harder and tap into your joy. I love her drive, determination and she has a spiritual side which I really connect with.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would plant fruit trees down our streets so homeless people always had a healthy snack.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Europe and to be specific Paris. I love the music, the art, the food and the architecture. I also made the most amazing friends when I was there last. Memories I’ll never forget.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
I always take friends to see a show and take them to the Supper Club. I just love the upper part of town. Sitting down with a world renowned Melbourne coffee, surrounded by our gorgeous theatres and feeling like I’m somewhere else.

What are you currently reading?
I have had my head buried in my Saturday Night Fever script for the past 2 months as I have 104 pages of dialogue to learn so it is taking first priority. Before that I have been reading Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. As my other passion in life is Yoga. I’m heading off to Rishikesh, India the night that Saturday Night Fever concludes to partake in a month long stay in an Ashram focusing on Meditation and Ashtanga Yoga.

What are you currently listening to?
The Book Of Mormon soundtrack. I cannot wait to see it when it comes to Australia. It’s orchestrated so well and it’s blood hilarious.

Happiness is?
Inner peace. I cant be happy with anything in my life unless I stop and breathe and can sit with myself and be… happy. That takes work and is my number one priority in life these days.

What does the future hold for you?
The future holds for me an Australian Tour of a musical I can’t talk about yet (shh), a second property, India, Love, and more and more hard work.

Mike is starring as Tony Manero in StageArt’s production of Saturday Night Fever at Chapel Off Chapel from 13 February 2016. For more information, visit: www.stageart.com.au for details.

Image: Mike Snell