GenQ - For the not so straight individual

Katie Underwood is starring in a new musical called Dark Angels, so I HAD to catch up with her to get the goss about this ultra-camp performance.

Hi Katie, how are you?

Mildly stressed and excited at the same time! I'm producing as well as starring in the show so it's difficult juggling the two roles at the moment but I'm learning a lot.

You're about to star in a new musical, Dark Angels, which is a murder mystery/dark comedy set in a Burlesque club. What can you tell us about this?

Dark Angels is a fairly off-beat production which suits me to a tee! There are so many elements in the show - we cover sexual diversity, religious issues, fetish fashion, love, loss - all rolled together with huge helpings of camp comedy and a murder mystery. It's a really fun and interactive show so I hope people will come along and enjoy a few hours of sheer madness.

In Dark Angels, you play Mame, the head of the showgirls, and "Queen Of Sin". Did you have to do much preparation for the role?

Anyone who knows me would know I'm already the Queen of Sin (editor: yes, I can agree with that)! As far as real preparation goes, I have spent time watching other burlesque performers and also attending strip clubs to get a feel for the character and the atmosphere in the clubs. I am also a member of a fetish club, Abode, so I already have some insight into some aspects of the fetish scene which helped with the character development for Mame.


Are all the songs original, or are there some tracks that we'll be familiar with?

Since it is a new story I wanted people to be familiar with some of the music so we have included some well known songs in the show but I've also had the opportunity to write some original songs for the show. It's a departure from the dance style I've become known for so I'm hoping people will enjoy hearing me perform a different style of music. Overall the music is a mix of electronic/dance music and a little swing and blues so its quite diverse.

Are there any plans to take Dark Angels elsewhere after the Melbourne season finishes?

I'd love to take it up to Sydney for the Mardi Gras festival next year but at the moment my main focus is making the Melbourne debut season a success.

What else have you got in planning at the moment?

As a producer, music director and performer in this show, I really have my hands full at the moment so I don't have time for anything else right now. After this I'll probably take a short break and then get back to writing some more dance music but I do have plans to write for film for a local film, Submerge, which is currently still in development. For those interested in supporting Australia's first mainstream lesbian film, they can go to the website for more info.

Thanks a lot for your time Katie. Is there anything you'd like to say to our readers?

I hope you will come along and have a laugh with me (or even at me) at Dark Angels and we can have a drink and a chat after the show!

xx Katie

Links:
Katie Underwood
Myspace
Official website

Dark Angels
Myspace
Official Website