The musical adaptation of the 90s cult classic returns to the stage in this new touring production currently travelling across the UK. Guillermo Nazara chats with one of the show’s leads, to learn all the fun facts about his experience and if he can put it anywhere.
How does it feel to be starring in the musical adaptation of such an iconic film?
It’s great! The roles in the original film mean so much to so many people that it’s truly an honour – though it also makes me quite nervous as I want to do a good job! But it’s so exciting to be able to bring people back to the 90s!
Many of the themes the original film explores were quite taboo for their time. Why do you think they still resonate with today’s audiences?
We are all still people, at the end of the day. The themes it explores (coming of age, sex, social climbing, manipulation, validation, etc.) happen in life everyday. The script was very shocking in its day, as it didn’t pull any punches. And it’s still shocking now in terms of language. There could have been an argument about some of the slurs the original script uses being taken out, as we use very heated language. But we wanted to stay true to the film – it’s almost exactly the same lines, which is a very brave choice.
Has anything change in this touring production in comparison to the touring version?
Quite a lot! I saw it at The Other Palace before joining the tour – and even before watching the film! The staging is a bit different. For example, we no longer have a revolving stage. The set is also slightly dissimilar, as the colour palette has changed a bit. The beginning has been altered too! At The Other Palace, it opened with a Placebo song, but this one opens with Living La Vida Loca. It’s a different angle and feel, but very fun!
In the show, you play Blaine, the only openly gay character in the story. How significant do you think this role has been for queer culture?
It definitely has importance. He’s very comfortable about who he is – at least, in the surface. Of course, he does some nasty things, but when you play a role you need to understand your character, instead of judging them. I had to find a way to accept those ways, as a manipulative person. My reading is that he probably isn’t as happy and free as he puts across and has lots of insecurities. He’s very concerned about his popularity and social climate. He’s wrapped up into this rich, money-led world. He wants everyone to like him – especially, Sebastian. He would actually do anything to impress him, even outing his love interest – even though he does love Greg a lot. At the end of the day, the show deals with how far people will go and how they may throw away a risk for their own popularity.
Have you found any particular challenges in this role?
There’s a lot of dancing! I don’t think I was ready for so much! But it’s been a lot of fun. I also had to bleach my hair for this role, which was a bit of a shock when I saw myself for the same time – and I’m dealing with roots at the moment! But definitely, the dance – especially Act One, where there’s literally no rest! Also, the cast is quite small – there’s only 12 of us. Everyone has to make their biggest effort to fill the space, but we’re a great little team.
Have you had any fun bloopers you’d like to share?
It’s quite funny that you’re asking me that today, because of what happened last night! Lots of things occurred, but the big one took place during Act Two. There is a scene when I come out having a lollipop. I was just being my lovely, flamboyant self – and the lollipop dropped and rolled all the way across the stage! I thought I had to pick it up, or it would look silly… So I had to keep blowing that lollipop after it traveled all over the floor. At least, the floor gets mopped every day…
Why come see Cruel Intentions?
It’s different. It’s not a classic musical theatre show. And if you wanna have a really good laugh with something that’s risky and 90s fun, that’s reason enough to come. Also, if you’re a fan of the original film, you will immediately love it!
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Cruel Intentions, The Musical is currently on tour across the UK. Tickets are available on the following link.