Page 26 - Phonebox Magazine October 2014

The Buzz
Dirty Dancing is due at MK Theatre this month as part of a national tour, and star of the musical, Roseanne Frascona, talks to Phonebox Magazine about taking on the role of Baby, crying at the script and learning to master the dance moves.
Musicals are stereotypically bursting with colour, complicated dance routines and belting sing-a-longs, and Dirty Dancing is no exception. Similarly, many would
expect the part of Baby to be played by a dancer straight out of stage school.
But Roseanna Frascona (pictured right), a recent graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, believes her straight acting experience adds something else to the role, which she will play at MK Theatre from October 21 until November 5. The 24-year-old says: “As a performer she goes through such a journey, so it’s a pleasure so play someone like that. It’s nice, as an actor, to go with her.” Having danced as a child, Roseanna took one dance class a week at LAMDA, so stepping into the room as Baby was a little daunting.
“I’m from a straight acting background,” she explains. “I’ve very much had to put my dancing hat back on and catch up very, very quickly. The choreographer and director were like ‘remember this six months down the line, when you know the dances like the back of your hand.’ It’s fantastic though.”
It was while studying that Roseanna was recommended for the role, and landed herself an audition. Not that she knew anything about Dirty Dancing.
“I didn’t know the story beforehand. I think I’m the only person in the whole world who hasn’t seen the film!” she laughs.
“My family and friends have a lot to answer for why I haven’t seen it. I totally get it now though. I read the script the night before and I was in tears.”
The infamous ‘nobody puts Baby in a corner’ scene was what caught Roseanna’s imagination, as she explains: “I just thought that moment, when Johnny comes back at the end and says how she taught him to stand up for other people, is exactly what it’s all about. She really means it, especially when she is up against her father.
“We’re right in the middle of everything that’s happening!”
She’s in the middle of a tour which is going to last at least another six months. It’s a big job for someone who left drama school a little over a year ago: “It’s a lot more intense. It’s pretty crazy doing something for that long.
“I’m excited to go to Milton Keynes too. It’s super close to my family and friends in London. I grew up in Essex but we aren’t going to a theatre there, so this is as close as I can get! I started rehearsals in February and performing the show in April in Bristol, so it’s been 6 months or so now.
Tickets: £12.90 to £48.90 from MK Theatre on (0844) 871 7652 or go to atgtickets.com.
26 Phonebox Magazine
Musical icons head on tour for autumn season
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Johnny Cash will be remembered in a touring tribute show at the Northampton Royal and Derngate on the 8th, and Irish group Clannad make a return to the UK with their show on the 10th. The following day, another folk performer will take to the stage with fiddler Seth Lakeman singing songs from his latest album, Word of Mouth (pictured right). 1960s music fans can dance in the aisles on the 24th with Sixties Gold, featuring Gerry and The Pacemakers and The Searchers. Tribute acts will also be making their way to the Northampton stage throughout the month, including One Night of Elvis (17th) and The Billy Fury Years (21st), with one of the world’s most famous brass bands, The Black Dyke Band, on the 25th.
In Bedfordshire, The Pad Presents returns with Chas and Dave on the 16th at the Bedford Corn Exchange, but they’re also performing at The Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, on the 4th. Bon Jovi fans are in for a treat with a tribute led by Tony Pearce on the 17th. Lastly The Lindisfarne Story celebrates Tyneside’s best-loved band on the 28th.
ctober is a busy month for music venues, gearing up for their autumn seasons.
Acclaimed British drummer Dylan Howe takes on Bowe’s 1977 album Low and Heroes on the 2nd at The Stables, while the world’s first Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Fleetwood Bac, will perform on the 3rd. Andy Fairweather Low will make an appearance on the 4th, and political and satirical verse will be delivered by John Cooper Clarke on the 5th. Other performers include Ren Harvieu (6th) Clow To You (8th) and the hugely successful T’Pau, as fronted by Caro l Decker, on the 10th. Folk rock pioneers Steeleye span are celebrating 45 years with a new show, which will arrive at The Stables on the 14th, with Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri on the 17th and jazz singer Martin Taylor on the 19th. Critically acclaimed clarinet player Emma Johnson will take part in a musical tribute to John Dankworth on the 26th, while Ensemble 360 will perform a programme of chamber music on the 21st.