Travis Kahn will perform in Priscilla

Travis Kahn is the lone Kiwi in the smash hit music production Priscilla; Queen of the Desert. Now that the show has finally hit New Zealand shores, Travis takes the time to chat with us about what it's like to be able to perform in your home country, discusses the gorgeous costumes and reveals one of his costume mishaps!

You are the lone Kiwi in the production, how does it feel to be able to showcase Priscilla The Musical to New Zealand?

I’m very proud to be a part of this production seeing I am the only Kiwi, and it’s amazing to have left the country, gone abroad to work, and to be coming back with such a spectacular production as Priscilla. The film script was actually written while the author was on holiday in NZ, so there is a connection between Priscilla and this country.

What can Kiwi’s expect from the show?

Colour! Entertainment! An amazing cast! This is a lively show which will have you on your feet dancing by the end. Look out for the breath taking costumes!

How easy or hard was it to prepare for this role?

It’s really difficult to cover 12 different male ensemble roles from the show, but it’s nice to get to do something different every day. You don’t settle into the same plot, there’s a variety. There are a lot of numbers to learn, and I know them all but I also kept them written down for easy reference just in case!

How does the musical compare to the actual film?

I find that they’re quite similar. It’s amazing to have the original Bob within this show (Bill Hunter), which links them. The theatre production adds more life because it’s more of a stimulating experience to see people do it all right in front of you. You get a 3D image of the show, that you can interact with, rather than just the screen.

Did you imagine the success the Australian season has obtained so far and what’s that been like as a part of the cast?

Before I’d seen the show I personally didn’t know how well it would do, and then seeing it in Sydney, I thought this was going to be a massive success story in Australia. At that stage I didn’t know that I was going to be part of the cast, but now I’m honoured to be part of that experience, and to be able to bring it home has been the icing on the cake! 

It looks like you all have so much fun on stage each night. Has there been any serious injuries or problems with the cast since opening?

It is extremely fun to be on stage each night. It’s a show that has so much life to it that it’s hard for you not to have fun while you’re on it. Working with such a fantastic cast allows you to draw from them, and seeing the audience have fun totally lifts your performance. It’s great to be able to make people happy.

Any bitchy rivalries between cast members? I imagine the long seasons and schedules would create a few cranky moments!

There are no rivalries between cast members! It is a long season and we do 8 shows a week with each other, so of course people are going to be tired, but it’s really like an extended family.

What’s your favourite musical number that you like performing and why?

I like performing ‘Finally’ when I’m an Emu! It’s such a fantastic costume that I get to wear, mixed with it being the final part of the show so the entire cast are on stage. The music generates such a hype for the end, and of course by this stage the audience are completely into the show.   Heaven!

What’s your favourite personal moment from the tour so far?

Outside of the performance, seeing we are like a family, we do associate with each other a lot. It’s really nice to be able to go out, have a drink, maybe dinner, dance and have such a good time with them.

What is it like having Bill Hunter reprise his role as Bob?

I think it’s fantastic working with Bill because I get along with him so well. We tease each other all the time, and we joke backstage which creates a fun environment to work in, but I’ve learnt so much from his incredible experience.

The costumes look so fabulous and elaborate! Are they easy to wear and have you or any other cast members experienced any "wardrobe malfunctions"?

The costumes are fabulous! Some of them aren’t easy to wear but we make them look like they are. The only costume malfunction I’ve had was in Les Girls where my bustle broke and so I went on with only my bodice. It looked a bit funny against the other Les Girls, but as they say the show must go on!

On a personal note, you have been involved in television, cinema and musicals over your relatively short career so far. What is it that you love about musicals?

What I love about musicals is that it’s live theatre. It’s the opportunity you get to incorporate dance, acting and singing. The opportunity to perform in front of an audience that can extend to 2000 people, it is a rewarding experience.

Travis have you anything you want to say to the New Zealand readers?

Definitely come and see the show, it is one not to be missed. We’re only here for 6 weeks so get in quick!

Thanks so much for taking the time and we wish you all the best for the New Zealand season!

Tags: Musical, priscilla