Behind The Scenes
The Aussie favourite is treading the boards for Saturday Night Fever
At just 16 years old, Marcia Hines cemented herself as one of the country’s greatest entertainment icons when she took a role in the Australian production of Hair in 1970. From there she had a leading role as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, and the rest, as they say, is history.
With 14 studio albums and a career spanning almost 50 years, Marcia is a force to be reckoned with, and her latest role as The Diva in the theatre production of Saturday Night Fever is telling of her undeniable star power. Speaking to Woman’s Day, it’s clear Marcia loves the nostalgia surrounding the story, which has all the hits, moves and outfits to take you back to 1978!
What is it about
that made you want to get involved?
Night Fever
Saturday First and foremost, I really loved the music and the movie, especially John Travolta – wow! That’s how we used to entertain ourselves on the weekend back then, dancing to the disco hits in a nightclub. It’s wonderful to relive those times in this new production.
Would you rather record music or be on stage?
I’m so lucky I’m able to do both and I love both, since they’re very different ways of working. When recording, you’re on your own and it’s all about you. But when you’re on stage in a show like Saturday Night Fever with a big ensemble, you learn from other people, watching them and working alongside them.
What can you tell us about working with Paulini – have you remained a mentor of hers since
Australian Idol?
I was never really a mentor of Paulini, but I did defend her against anyone who was critical. She was so shy back in the Idol days. We’ve worked together a few times since at corporate events, and it’s wonderful to be on stage beside her again in Saturday Night Fever. She’s no longer that shy girl in Idol – she’s really come into her own.
Over the years, has there been one piece of advice
that’s stuck with you that you’d pass on to anyone looking to break into the entertainment industry?
Go into entertainment to be an entertainer – that’s the only thing that makes sense. Don’t go into it to become a star as it probably won’t happen.
You were one of our favourite judges on Idol, but could we ever see you on the other side of reality, perhaps in the jungle for
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! or Dancing With The Stars? That’s a hell to a no!
It’s been almost five years since your last studio album – any upcoming music?
When I see myself clear of Saturday Night Fever there may be some new music. I’ve got a few ideas rolling around in my head, so watch this space!
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
plays at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star until June 2. Tickets ticketmaster.com. au or 1300 795 267
‘I really loved the music and the movie’