BSH: Hi
Claudia nice to hear from you again. I loved Twelve
O’clock Tales it was so
fresh and I still play it which is something I don’t do with too many review CDs.
I'm glad you
still play it, that makes me happy!
BSH:
You have a background of theatre and singing and now you are combining the two.
Tell me about this new project – Secret Love.
About Doris Day I guess. My very first schoolboy crush!
I think she had
that effect on a lot of boys and men!
BSH: True! Tell me how this project came about.
A few years ago I discovered Doris 's voice when a pianist I worked with thought there
were similarities vocally between Doris and me. I started listening to her and
fell in love with her wonderful voice, I have never tired of it. I then felt
compelled to read her biography (which I found fascinating) and watch
her movies. I knew I wanted to tell her colourful life story and
sing her songs. Last year I was also asked by actress Tracy Ann Oberman to sing
a Doris Day part in her play for BBC Radio 4. She was so thrilled by my singing
of Doris - this was the catalyst I needed to
start the project.
BSH: Where did you start?
I hooked up
with writer and director Phil Willmott and asked him to write a play where I
would sing Doris 's songs and have some actors
to play the key men in her life. I wanted to portray her real life story as
something in between a musical and a tribute. Also I didn't want to impersonate
her, but to be myself. I sought out the wonderful Malcolm
Edmonstone as musical director - I knew his work and felt confident that he
could capture that wonderful era while making it my own. So you will get a
taste of Doris 's voice occasionally, but plenty
of surprises as well! I feel very lucky to be able to work with such
talented musicians and such a great director.
BSH: I'd like to share a video link with our readers.
Here's a link.
BSH: I'd like to share a video link with our readers.
Here's a link.
BSH:
You must have researched this very deeply. Did you contact the lady herself?
As I said, I read the wonderful biography
written by Hotchner in Doris 's words.
Lots of
movies and 100's of her recordings! I've contacted her management to get
permission that's all. I will send her my album 'Secret Love' and hope she
likes it....
BSH: I
understand she is quite reclusive these days?
I think at 90
that would be understandable don't you? But actually she's very busy,
she dedicated the last twenty years to caring for sick and abandoned animals. Her
public life was a life time ago to her, she does shun the spotlight
unless absolutely necessary as far as I know.
BSH:
Songs, films, Doris was at the top in both
genres. Do you place more emphasis on one or the other or do you concentrate on
the, lets face it, abusive relationships she had?
The songs play a key role in the play
linking to her important relationships, including the abusive ones.
BSH: Did she actually have “A Secret Love”?
You will have
to ask the lady herself!
BSH: Her
image was always of “The girl next door” is that how it is or do we have to
wait for the show to find out?
Her image was
so far from the truth, it's sad to think she represented wholesome family
values but found it hard to find them in her own life.. all will be revealed in
the show!
BSH:
What size band will there be in the show?
Piano, double
bass and drums the perfect combination and fine musicians!
BSH:
You’re taking the show around the country – the nearest we get to it on
Tyneside is Consett in County
Durham
We are touring
around the UK , 21 dates in
total, starting at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford on 25th September and culminating at the Royal
Spa Theatre, Leamington on 29th November - Consett Empire
Theatre is on Saturday 13th November. Hope to see you there!!
BSH:
Thank you Claudia. Perhaps, if I manage to get there I'll come away with a new (ex) schoolboy crush!
Ha Ha.
BSH: Further
details on the show and the album can be found on Claudia Morris’ Website
Lance.
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