Interview with Wayne Stellini, writer/director of ‘Michael and Phillip Are Getting Married in the Morning’
FRED sat down with Wayne Stellini, who wrote and directs Michael and Phillip Are Getting Married in the Morning for Midsumma 2018!
Tell us about Michael and Phillip Are Getting Married in the Morning.
Michael and Phillip Are Getting Married in the Morning is a traditional comedy of misunderstanding and manipulation. I look forward to directing it once again after our well-received Melbourne Fringe run.
As the title suggests, it’s primarily set the day before Michael and Phillip plan on getting married. But as with most weddings, everyone around them makes it about themselves and not the grooms-to-be.
How is this performance different to the Fringe festival?
On paper, the show will be the same; the play is not set at a specific time or against a particular political backdrop that it becomes dated. However, a new venue, new festival, and the introduction of a new lead, Bayne Bradshaw as Michael, all dictate that the energy and vibe of the Midsumma run will be different.
Is it exciting or daunting to put on the same show twice?
Our returning cast and crew, including myself, will want to see how we can challenge ourselves differently to put on an even better show than the Melbourne Fringe run. Personal and team challenges will mean that we won’t be complacent, so that’s exciting. Of course, there are so many new variables to this run, so it’s a little daunting too.
Why should festival-goers come and see it?
Michael and Phillip Are Getting Married in the Morning was written for a queer audience, and yet has proven to have even broader appeal; that in itself is a remarkable achievement. The normalisation or same sex-attracted relationships has been a major motivator for the the cast and crew, and it’s nice to see our diverse Melbourne Fringe audience react to it.
With a balance of humour and heart, Michael and Phillip Are Getting Married in the Morning is a topical yet timeless story about two people in love who want to celebrate their relationship. That’s a beautiful thing and something I think many of us can relate to.
FRED the ALIEN Productions 