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Thoroughly Modern Malcolm?
By Melissa Trickey
23rd August 2007
Malcolm Fawcett
In Focus
When you walk
away after seeing a show, what aspects of the performance stay with
you? The performances of certain individuals, the lighting, the
costumes, the choreography, the direction perhaps… How often do you
think about the person who is only noticeable by the back of their
head and their erratic arm movements, but is perhaps the most vital
person involved who keeps the performance running smoothly? Musical
Directors often go unnoticed, especially considering the mountain of
preparation, organization and just plain “hard yakka” that they put
into each show they oversee. So we at TPP have decided that it is
time to pay tribute to the services of our Musical Directors to this
wonderful craft of ours.
One such person who has an abundance of
knowledge and a passion for music, a meticulous eye (or ear?) for
detail, and who easily gets the best from his casts with his easy
and friendly manner is Malcolm Fawcett, musical director of the
upcoming amateur premier of Nova’s Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Malcolm has been using his talents for musical direction for only a
few short years, but has a guild nomination already under his belt.
This reputation is indeed the truth, people who have worked with him
having nothing but kind words to say. James Cook, who worked with
Malcolm when he directed, and Malcolm musically directed ARC’s Hot
Mikado last year, had this to say. “Mal is a hard working, committed
guy who is great to work with. He's a great asset to any production
team simply because of the tremendous energy he brings to every
project he's involved in. He has the eye for detail that you want in
a musical director, but is also very relaxed, positive and easy
going, which is rare in an MD! Mal is constantly wanting to learn
more and gain more experience, which certainly works in his
favour.
He's a great asset to any prod team and a great mate!” So it was
with great interest that I spoke with Malcolm, to find out what
being a Musical Director is like, and how he became one, and such a
respected MD at that!
 “My love of
music goes way back to when I was just a little tacker. At the age
of around 11 years old, my father who was quite an accomplished
musician himself, introduced me to music through the local brass
band in Dubbo NSW, where I grew up. In fact my brother was the first
to take an interest after it was decided that as young boys, we were
either allowed to be in the cub scouts or join the brass band. I
wanted to join the scouts because I thought it would be fun, and as
was always the case, whatever I did my brother would always do the
opposite, so he joined the brass band. One night he came home from
band
practise
with a shiny new cornet (which is a smaller version of a trumpet).
This got everyone’s attention including mine, at which point I
decided I wanted to join the band so I could have a cornet too! Dad
taught me the cornet, as he was a very good player. Pretty soon the
whole family was involved, and both of my sisters, my brother and my
mum were all in on the act. Talk about a family affair, we would all
go along to band
practise
together, go to play outs and competitions and generally have a
great time.
At the same
time I started to learn the piano, it became clear that I was
fortunate enough to posses some musical talent, and felt that music
would play a major part in my life somehow. I joined the full time
army when I was 18 years old and I served for nine years, but then I
wanted a change so I left the army and did some other things for a
while. After about 2 years I decided that I wanted to keep my
involvement in military music so I joined the Army Reserve Band. I
have been a member of that band now for about six years and I can’t
see any reason why I won’t be there for quite while to come. It’s a
lot of fun, you meet fantastic people and get to go to places and
see things you wouldn’t ordinarily get to. You keep fit; learn
heaps of new skills and its tax free money! We have a rehearsal one
night a week, and we are required to attend a 2 week activity once a
year, other than that its just do what you can when you’re
available. I highly recommend it to any budding young musician who
might be looking for a way to broaden their musical horizons and
have a great time playing in a very high standard band. I have
always loved playing in bands, and the thing that stands out when
playing in a band situation is that when things are working really
well and everyone is in sync, its like the band is just one big
instrument and we are all creating this amazing sound all at the
same time. You can feel the energy between the musicians as
everyone is listening to each other and melding together, it is a
form of communication and it allows people from all walks of life to
be part of the amazing experience of making music.
 A short time
after joining the Army Reserve Band, I think around ’93, one of the
members of the band was musically directing a show with the then
Williamstown Light Opera Company, called “Pirates of Penzance”. He
had asked if I would like to play percussion in the orchestra for
him. I thought it sounded like fun so I agreed. I had a great time
and
realised
that this could really help improve my playing. It was the first of
many shows that I would end up playing in over the next 14 years. I
loved playing the pit, it was an opportunity to play some great
music with some of Melbourne’s best musos and make some great
friends along the way. Some of my closest friends now are a result
of working together in orchestras around town” So Malcolm had
already proven himself to be an extremely versatile and talented
musician in his own right. But how has he come to be the respected
Musical Director we know today?
“It was quite
a while before I had any ideas of doing musical direction, mainly
because I kept getting asked to play in the shows rather than MD
them. But, after doing a show one year I thought to myself that I
would like to give it a go. The only problem was I didn’t know how
to get into it, I found that it is a very tight circle of people who
do these shows and theatre companies were not big on taking risks
with someone they didn’t know or had no experience in musically
directing a show. So that was the first hurdle I had to overcome.
Once I got my opportunity though, I was ready and grabbed it with
both hands, and although I didn’t really know what I was doing, I
managed to work it out as I went along. The first show I had any
involvement in as far as musical direction was a production called
“Is there life after high school?” staged by Fab Nobs in 2005. I
was the assistant musical director, and I helped the musical
director with running some of the rehearsals,
organising
the band and so on. For me this was more of an opportunity to watch
and learn. From there I was fortunate enough to be given an
opportunity to MD my first show which was called “Baby” also staged
by Fab Nobs. This was a lot of fun and we had a terrific cast, which
was very lucky for me because I am sure I did plenty of things
wrong, or at least could have done them better, but hindsight is a
wonderful thing.
 Since then,
there’s been a lot of work coming in, I did “Hot Mikado” with ARC,
which I received a guild nomination for best musical direction.
After that there was “Urinetown the Musical” with PEP Productions
and “High Society” with Park Players. Currently, I am in rehearsals
for “City of Angels” with PEP Productions due to open at the end of
July and then I will be working on “Thoroughly Modern Millie” with
NOVA. So, it’s going to be a busy second half of the year.
What I love
about being a Musical Director is watching the whole creative
process come to life from the very concept of the show through to
the production meetings to create a vision. The audition process to
see who is going to be cast in the show, the rehearsal process and
seeing the vision start to come to life as little pieces of the
puzzle begin to take shape. And of course the final stage of
getting into the theatre and putting on an amazing performance,
being able to sit back and reflect on the achievement. I love it
all! It gives me enormous satisfaction to start something from
scratch with nothing but an idea, and watch it come to life right
before your eyes. My shows are like my babies; I love them with all
my heart and think about them constantly as my friends will attest
to. It may not be that healthy to be that committed, but as my
father would always say “Son, if it’s worth doing, then it’s worth
doing well”. It’s just about being part of something that is really
special and that so many people put so much time and energy into all
for the love of it, and for me to be able to say that I had some
part in making it a success is extremely rewarding. I love the
responsibility it gives you, and how you must be accountable for the
results. I suppose you could say that there isn’t anything I really
don’t like about it, you have your good days and bad days just like
everyone else, but it’s all part of the deal.
When you take
on a production as a musical director you know that there are a lot
of expectations on you to create a show from the musical stand point
that will be amazing. And not only for the production company and
the cast, but also for yourself. After all, it’s my name on the
flyer, so I have just as much riding on the show as anyone else.
You’re only as good as your last show, so they say. Sometimes you
have moments where you wonder if the show is going to come together
in time, and whether it will meet your expectations of how you want
it to go. Having very high standards is a good thing because you
create some fantastic work, but the down side can be that you
occasionally might feel that it’s not getting to the level you want
and that time is working against you. Of course a lot of these
feelings are unfounded and only really serve to remind you that the
only way to get the results you want is to keep working hard and
don’t settle for anything less than what you expect.
 The most
rewarding part has to be the journey. I mentioned earlier that I
love the creative process of something coming together from
scratch. In the case of a show, it’s watching all the people on
their journey as they take up the challenge to do their part to make
it the best show they have ever been involved with. I have one of
the best jobs, because I get to stand back and just watch these
people do these amazing things. When the show is running, I have the
best seat in the house (provided there is a pit and I’m not stuck
out the back somewhere with my band using cameras and monitors so I
can see and hear what is going on), I can stand on my conductors
podium and be there to support the cast and direct the orchestra,
but by that stage all the work has already been done and now all I
have to do is just sit back and enjoy the ride.”
So after a
long time of involvement in music, and in theatre, what strikes
Malcolm to be unique about theatre as apposed to straight musical
performance? “With theatre, it covers such a variety of aspects in
performance, there are so many different skills required to be in a
successful theatre production. Obviously, there are the actors,
singers and dancers necessary for the show to happen. What amazes me
is that there are some extremely talented people out there in
theatre land who are not just great singers, but also terrific
dancers and actors also. In a band situation you can often find
great musicians (instrumentalists) who may have studied for years
and years and become extremely proficient in their chosen instrument
or instruments, but rarely do you find them to be great actors and
dancers too. You can go to the ballet and see amazing dancers who
have studied for their whole life, or go to a straight play and
watch some incredible acting, but in musical theatre these guys and
gals do it all. So, the theatre breeds a special kind of performer
who can do all of these things and do them incredibly well. The
theatre is live and anything can happen, this type of exhilaration
can do strange things to people and really bring out some amazing
performances. There are many things that I like about being involved
in musical theatre, for one it’s a great social event. It would
have to be one of the best ways to meet people and make new
friends. It’s a place where people from all walks of life come
together to help create a vision provided by the creative team.
They all share a common goal and work in harmony (mostly), to see it
through to the end. You come across people who give tirelessly of
their own time for no money, sometimes at the sacrifice of their own
personal lives, all because they have a passion for musical theatre.
 Also, there are some amazing shows that have been written over the
years, and some of the best music I have ever heard and played has
come from these musicals. If it wasn’t for the theatre scene here in
Melbourne, a lot of people would most likely miss out on ever
getting the chance to see them, or better still actually be involved
in them. I have worked in productions where the theatre company
policy is that everyone gets a go no matter what. I think that is
great because the theatre is there for everyone to enjoy, and some
people might not ordinarily get to perform live on stage any other
way so this is their chance to get on stage and have some fun.
That’s what theatre is all about for me, having a great time and
doing something that you really love. Something that you are really
passionate about and you can put your all into it, and be proud of
what you have achieved. Generally, I would say that I have had
mostly positive experiences during my time being involved in musical
theatre, if I had to say there was anything I didn’t like it would
probably be the “post show blues”. You know when you do a show you
often spend a few months if not more with the same group of people
and you develop strong friendships that can last a long time.
During the rehearsal period you share this common goal to create an
amazing show and when the dust settles after it’s all over, you
think about those people that helped you to
realise
your goal and all the fun you had together doing the show. All the
amazing experiences that you had together, that will never be
repeated with that same group of people and you wish it didn’t have
to end. But it does and life has to go on, there are other shows to
do and other friends to meet, so it’s not so bad. It does take a
few days, sometimes longer to get over it.
 Lots of people
ask me “what’s your
favourite
show?” I always say that I don’t have a
favourite,
because there are so many great ones around, that to choose one is
almost impossible. As far as shows I have been involved with, I
played in the orchestra for a show called “Hello Again” written by
Michael John La Chuisa, it ran over a couple of weeks at Chapel off
Chapel. It was fantastic, the music was amazing and very
challenging and the cast were incredible. Not a weak link among
them, a very solid performance. The most enjoyable experience I
have had so far as an MD, would be a recent production I did called
“High Society”, written by Cole Porter. This was with a small
theatre company out in the eastern suburbs called “Park Players”. I
have never been made to feel more welcome and appreciated for my
work and what I brought to the table. They are a group that really
embrace what theatre is about, giving everyone a go, everyone
pitching in and doing whatever needs to be done to get the show on,
and just having a great time. There are no egos, everyone is
treated equally. Regardless of whether you are the lead in the show
or the bloke who has to do a quick walk on or be there to wear a
microphone so that the ensemble can be heard (true, this happens in
theatre), its all about being involved and doing it for the love of
theatre. It’s hard not to get passionate about that.”
Anyone in
particular who has inspired Malcolm in his involvement in music and
theatre? “It always interesting to think about this, because you
come into contact with many different people in the course of your
life and there would be a lot of people who affect and possibly
inspire you. It sounds a bit clichéd, but my father is one person
who I would have to say not only had an effect on me, but definitely
inspired me. He was a brilliant musician in his day, he played
cornet and clarinet and saxophone all through his younger years, and
also was a very accomplished organist accompanying many very
talented singers and musicians as well. Later on he became the
bandmaster of the local brass band which of course I played in, near
where we lived in Brisbane. He also became an instrumental music
teacher in high schools and primary schools in the area. So, he was
never far from music, and I always hoped to one day be as good as
him and in the process I learnt what it takes to be a great
musician. So, in no small way I owe a lot of my musical successes to
my dad and his support and a little thing called genetics. I have
met and worked with some amazing musicians during my time with the
army band, and would have to say that those years had a profound
effect on my musical career.
My boss at
that time was a man called Peter Jackson and he would rate as one of
the best musicians and musical directors I have ever worked with or
for. I attribute a large amount of the musicianship I gained while
in the band to his leadership and support during my time there.
Performing in a professional touring military band was very
demanding, the very best was expected and you had to deliver all the
time. You soon learned what it took to maintain such a high
standard and to be able to work under extreme pressure situations.
This has helped me significantly to work in high pressure
situations such as a Musical Director. Occasionally, you come
across people in your travels that are just so good at what they do,
and yet they are so humble that you wouldn’t even know who they
were. One of those people is a guy called Greg Smith, who is an
amazing piano player and MD. I have had the privilege of playing in
some of the orchestras that he has MD for and he is always fantastic
to work with. He is always willing to help out with any musical
issue, and his support has been invaluable over the last few years
especially. It’s good to have someone to aspire to, and if I could
have even one tenth of the ability and talent that Greg has I would
be very happy.”
So next time
you are at a rehearsal doing a vocal warm up or going over a song
for what may seem like the twentieth time, I want you to think about
all of the work that your MD does for you! They make your job so
much easier, they support you in so many ways, yet they are so often
unseen. Malcolm’s passion, enthusiasm and dedication to Musical
Theatre is so wonderful too see, and an example of what makes
Theatre so great to be involved in. |