Starring: Nic Kyle
Musical Director & Keys: Zac Johns
In a one night only performance for the Hamilton Arts Festival, the charming Nic Kyle recounted his professional life since graduating from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts (NASDA). The show was a mix of storytelling and songs, accompanied by the skilled Zac Johns. The promo material stated Deeply Unprofessional would cover “Hilariously awful auditions, truly terrible jobs, and everything in between” and so it was, but better. Resplendent in Black Tie, Kyle’s story began with his enthusiastic foray into performing at Christchurch’s Court Theatre.
The entertaining stroll through a back catalogue of musical theatre roles showed his progression as a performer. Life post-NASDA seemed promising. However, a powerful lighting cue jolted the story into the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake. This sobering moment set the tone for the show. Deeply Unprofessional wasn’t just a rollercoaster of emotions, it was the whole damn theme park. Beautifully narrated, Kyle took the audience through sadness, laughter, hope, despair, disappointment and success.
Kyle discussed auditions that were less than a minute to call backs that went on for seven weeks. He gave a fascinating insight into touring Australasia with Elaine Paige, and then moving to London upon her command. While in the United Kingdom, Kyle auditioned for lesser-known shows to Westend plays to massive musical theatre productions. He regaled the audience with his role in a full nudity play. Kyle even explained the subtle lighting prompt indicating unsavoury audience behaviour which was a message for the cast to make a very quick exit off stage. These inside scoops were fascinating.
The highlight of Deeply Unprofessional was Kyle recreating his audition for the Cats role of Rum Tum Tugger at the Pineapple Dance Studios in London. Following a successful vocal audition, the choreographer asked him to “explore the space as a cat.” Kyle had never seen Cats, so rather than put his spin on the gyrating, somewhat sexy Rum Tum, he proceeded to embody a variety of cat activities – leaping, rubbing, arching, stretching. At one point he even meowed at the audition panel. The Meteor audience was screaming with delight. I cannot recall the last time an entire room was so amused that people were unable to catch their breath or manage the tears of laughter rolling down their faces.
Sprinkled throughout the show were musical theatre songs that showcased his vocal range and understated ability to express character emotion. He didn’t need to rely on grand gestures or exaggerated drama. Deeply Unprofessional demonstrated that Nic Kyle is sincere in his vulnerability and the consummate theatrical professional who can hold an audience in the palm of his hand.
In 2023, Kyle starred in Kinky Boots, The Music Man, and Shrek as well as a stint on Shortland Street. Although he did not share detailed plans for 2024, he hinted at a possible return to the Festival next year. If so, my advice would be to programme several performances. Deeply Unprofessional was a solid five-star show, and charismatic Nic Kyle was beyond exceptional.
Photo: Andi Crown
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