Sister Acts To Shine On Stage In WICKED MUSICAL!

WORDS: Caroline Russo hushhushbiz.com PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

The talented musical sisters Courtney and Emily Monsma will be on stage together for the Brisbane production of one of the most popular musicals of recent years, WICKED, at QPAC opening this September.

 Both girls graduated from the Conservatorium of Music and have performed in many productions but they are so thrilled to be working together. Courtney will be playing Glinda; while Emily is her understudy and in the ensemble.

COURTNEY

When did you know you wanted to be in the entertainment world and how did it all start for you?

It was obvious to me when I was as little as four years old, in my tiny tot ballet class, that I had an interest in performing. Some of my earliest memories are of taking turns singing Annie in the car with my sister, I was always singing. I had such a passion for performing when I was younger and spent most of my time doing local community theatre productions, which are still some of my fondest memories. My childhood was enriched with so much genuine love for performing it makes me feel so grateful to have a career in that field.

What was your first time working and what age were you? And what inspired you to be a singer-actor?

I started very young, working on set as a child actor. I did my first community theatre production at 8 years old in Gypsy, where I was double cast as baby June with Emily. At 19 I booked my first professional musical theatre gig in the ensemble of Mamma Mia. I feel like I was born inspired… it feels a little bit like a calling in life to pursue this path, constantly taking inspiration from old movie musicals and always following in the footsteps of my older sister.

Landing the role of Glinda in Wicked, how was that moment and where were you?

I was in a hotel room, I just moved to Sydney for a film job so I was there alone. I got a call from my agent and I was in disbelief! I went straight online to YouTube to watch the bubble fly, not comprehending that I would get the chance to do that. I went through the audition process with my older sister so when I found out I got the role, I was beside myself while also thinking of my sister knowing she was yet to receive the news. It truly wasn’t until my sister found out she was cast in the ensemble that I had that bawl my eyes out moment!

Your sister Emily is also in the production and your understudy – what are the things you love about her and working together?

Truly, working with my sister is a dream in every sense. On a personal level, having that family camaraderie and support with such a massive role gives such a beautiful work-life balance. Getting to watch and work with her onstage feels like I’m at home and just getting the opportunity to be around her in general. I’ll never take a second working with her for granted. Plus, we hang out in my dressing room most breaks so it’s the perfect company.

Can we hope to see you and Emily working more together in the future?

I hope so and I will make that happen, especially knowing how wonderfully we work together. If it’s not something that’s already written, I would love to devise a piece/cabaret with her, stay tuned!

EMILY

 What was the path that led you to become a singer/artist?

I was always a theatrical little girl. Courtney and I would put on performances in our loungeroom for the family and spend hours on the karaoke machine we got for Christmas one year. When I was 10, I auditioned for a production of ‘Annie’ at The Gold Coast Arts Centre (now HOTA) and booked the shared title role. That was it, that’s all I wanted to do. From there, Mum worked hard to find us opportunities in community theatre all around the Gold Coast and Tweed.

Being aged so close to your sister Courtney, has there always been a strong relationship?

Absolutely. We have always been and will always be best friends. We did everything together growing up. Same high school, the same university course. Then Courtney spent 7 years on the road in touring musicals, so now to be back together and doing what we love most, is incredible.

Being in such a big musical show together – is that a dream come true?

A dream, yes. Wicked has always been my favourite musical. I watched the YouTube clips on repeat when I first learnt about it. We’d sing ‘For Good’ as a duet for many years. Our parents are equally as excited that we are experiencing this together.

Also the fact that you are an understudy and, in the ensemble…how much work is that for you in terms of preparation each week?

When we were learning the show, it was hard work. I had to focus so hard on my own ensemble plot while keeping a mind’s eye on Courtney learning ‘Glinda’. But it came more naturally than I’d imagined and we rehearse on top of our 8-show week most weeks. So, I’ll run the Glinda plot and the muscle memory will kick in.

Apart from working what are your favourite things to do?

Depends on where I am, I’ve realised! Here in Melbourne, I love finding a coffee spot and going thrift shopping, or for long walks. When I’m home on the Gold Coast, I love beach walks and taking the dog for a walk. I love watching community theatre and checking into past studios that I’ve studied or worked at.

What is on your wish list for other musicals?

Another show together would be cool. I’d love to do a Side Show with Courtney. But I’d also love to do something like Mean Girls, or Legally Blonde.