Putting On the Pants
It’s an undeniable fact that there are two categories of people – those who love musicals and those who don’t. I am firmly in the first category and I’m used to coming away from a show with tunes stuck in my head, but I am not used to a show becoming the soundtrack to getting dressed in the morning.
Let me explain.
Last year I had the opportunity to watch the Bold Theatre production of ‘Be More Chill’ at the Meteor Theatre in Hamilton. If you are not familiar with it, ‘Be More Chill’ is a sci-fi musical that follows Jeremy Heere, an awkward high school student desperate to fit in. He discovers a supercomputer pill called a ‘SQUIP’ that promises to make him cooler by instructing him how to act. As Jeremy rises in popularity, the SQUIP begins controlling his decisions, leading to chaotic and unintended consequences. The musical explores themes of self-acceptance, peer pressure, and the consequences of conforming to social norms.
Harry Marshall played Michael in their Hamilton theatre debut, best friend to our protagonist Jeremy who feels pressured to take a SQUIP and steal the heart of Christine. Harry has been involved in a number of shows over the past decade, originally being a member of Thames Music and Drama before moving to Hamilton to pursue a Bachelor’s in Music and Performing Arts at Wintec. Performing is a bit of a family affair as Harry’s father recently wrote and directed his own original play with Thames Music and Drama. Harry’s 2024 finished with a lead role in Jam Smith’s play ‘Soliloquy’, also staged at The Meteor.
Tell us a little about your studies and how it’s going?
I feel like I’m learning a lot and I’m gaining more performance opportunities than I originally hadin Thames as well. It’s been amazing to work with such skilled tutors, just having such knowledgeable people who have already succeeded in the industry really helps. I’ve also learned a lot about how much water you actually need to drink.
What’s your favourite song from a musical that you like to sing?
The Museum Song from ‘Barnum Musical’ because patter is always fun.
Favourite song from a musical you’ve been in:
‘Michael in the Bathroom’. Being able to pick a key that worked better for my voice (since the original is written for a baritone) instead of working my voice to fit the key. ‘Michael in the Bathroom’ is such a fun acting moment in the show as well, as it really feels like a pivotal moment in the show and being trusted with such an important moment was an honour.
What’s your favourite song that you can’t sing?
‘Noel’s Lament’ from ‘Ride the Cyclone’ – it’s just too low for my vocal range. Admittedly I could just put it in a higher key but contextually it wouldn’t work as well.
If you could see any musical, with any cast from any time, what would it be?
I’m really just a sucker for musicals and if I could see any show live with the original cast I definitely would jump on it. But if I had to pick an answer to give you, it would be the original cast of ‘Beetlejuice’. That set was incredible and the special effects just went crazy.
Harry is an exceptional local talent who is going to have a long and successful career. I know in 20 years’ time when they are rightfully famous, I will still be telling people that it’s Harry’s fault that I have this song running through my head as I get dressed.
The Pants Song
When you love somebody
You put your pants on for them!
When you love somebody
You take a chance just for ’em
Chance just for ’em!
If the road gets muddy
Focus on your goal ’till the rough stuff’s gone
When you love somebody
You put your pants on!
Words by Anne-Maree McDougall
Photos by Guy Coker
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