SPIDER-MAN, KATY PERRY, RICKY MARTIN AND A STIFF RIGHT KICK

ONE of the joys of doing this weekly column is discovering the extraordinary things that young Gold Coasters are doing around the globe.

One of those reaching for the stars is former All Saints Anglican School student Stacey Kenealy who we spoke to in Los Angeles.

At present, she is performing in Katy Perry’s Play, the first concert residency for the global superstar at The Theatre at Resorts World in Las Vegas.

“It has been a dream come true to be doing this show,” she says. “Like all performers the last two years have been incredibly tough so I feel very lucky. The show itself is incredible, a real game-changer for live shows with production values that are off the charts.”

Stacey’s journey began when she enrolled with Peta Mckenney at Paradise Performers. “Peta was wonderful. She taught me every type of dance so that I would be a well-rounded performer.

“Over the years I’ve worked with Ricky Martin, Pit Bull, did Super Bowl commercials and the Latin American Music awards. I also worked at Moulin Rouge in Paris for two years and then toured the show for another five so it has been some journey.”

We don’t want anyone to get too jealous but Stacey has also starred in three Marvel films – Spider-man: Homecoming, Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War.

“My role is in the motion capture area which means they need someone who can create the poses for certain technical moves for CGI.

“My training also includes martial arts which helps when they need a female to create a particular move.”

The good news continues because this week Stacey was enjoying catching up with her mother Gail for the first time in two years. “It has been so great to see her – the best feeling in the world is getting a big, warm hug from Mum.”