A Quick Chat With Ashley Mckenzie
One of Australia’s most talented triple threats, Ashley Mckenzie, is currently starring as Bobby in the Australian revival tour of A Chorus Line set to open at the Capitol Theatre on July 20.
After appearing in his first musical (Saturday Night Fever) at age 21, Ashley has gone on to perform in Wicked, Sweet Charity, Guys and Dolls, and The Boy Friend. He has also appeared in several television commercials and on Neighbours.
Mckenzie most recently choreographed and starred in ARIA nominated pop sensation Kimbra’s hit film clip ‘Good Intent’ in 2011.
We ask him our 20 Questions…
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I don’t think I ever really knew. It changed every week. But towards the end of high school there was no question it was performing. I remember doing my first dance class in year 12 and that was that
Who is the most important person in the world to you?
I am a pretty lucky guy knowing I could write the names of so many amazing people in this space. I have the best friends anyone could ask for and they are my world! However I better be honest and say the first name that came to my head is my boyfriend Matt 🙂
And of course Mum … but she is in her own category.
What animal best represents you and why?
Let’s go with Dog.
If you were a contestant on Deal or No Deal, how much would you need to be on offer before you walked away?
Enough for a good holiday.
What was the first piece of theatre/film/TV you ever appeared in and how old were you?
I didn’t perform as a kid so it would be my first professional show, which was Saturday Night Fever and I was 21
Windows or MAC?
MAC all the way!
Favourite food?
Too hard !!!!
Who is the actor you would most like to work alongside?
This is harder than the food question! So I am going to pick a girl and a guy. This could change in 20 minutes but I will go with Meryl, because well she is just Meryl and for the guy Deniro, Denzel or Johnny Depp! … Too hard !!!!
What would be the first five songs you put on a mix tape?
What’s the tape for would be my first question … but let’s go with:
Under The Table & Dreaming – Dave Matthews Band
Tears Dry on Their Own- Amy Winehouse
Baby I’m Getting Better – Gyroscope
All Along The watchtower – Hendrix
If I Ever Feel Better – Phoenix
What is the best thing about theatre in Australia?
The People! We are a family!
What’s the worst thing about theatre in Australia?
I don’t it’s appreciated as much as it should be.
Name one moment when you looked around, breathed happily and felt content.
Whenever I am having a beer with my friends.
Where is the most interesting place you have travelled?
New York.. blew my mind everyday!
Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met?
Geoffrey Rush I think.
Most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you onstage?
Nearly sending my skateboard into the Orchestra pit on [Saturday Night] Fever.
What’s your life motto?
Make a life not a living.
What’s your favourite post-show snack?
Beer
What’s your biggest phobia?
Don’t really have one.
What is the worst date you’ve ever had?
Don’t kiss and tell.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I have no idea! Just hopefully doing what I love.
A Chorus Line opens at the Capitol Theatre Sydney on July 20 and runs for 21 shows only!
Enter our competition to win tickets to the final Preview and visit Ticketmaster to purchase tickets!
Read our reviews of A Chorus Line here:
Adelaide – Stil A Sensation
Melbourne A Chorus Line
