Tyran’s obsessions

Fate sometimes has a powerful way of letting people know they are on the right track in life.

That certainly seemed the case with singer-actor Tyran Parke, who received the most powerful sign he could have hoped for that he was meant to be undertaking his latest stage role in the Stephen Sondheim musical, Sunday In The Park With George.

To prepare for the role of George in the new production at Penrith’s Q Theatre, Parke embarked on a round-the-world trip, visiting the people and locations that are pertinent to the 1984 Tony Award-winning stage classic.

Sunday In The Park With George tells the true story of French artist George Seurat’s quest to complete his world-famous masterpiece, A Sunday Afternoon On The Island Of La Grand Jatte, at the same time as he battles to keep the woman he loves, Dot.

It was while in Paris that Parke received fate’s ultimate blessing. He was at the location of the Island of La Grand Jatte when he received a phone call from composer Stephen Sondheim.

So many incredible things happened that day, and I took them as a sign that this was now my role, he says. When I was standing there on the island, my phone rang and then I heard this voice say, -˜Hello, this is Stephen Sondheim.’ It did feel a bit like I had a direct line to God.

It had been so wet the entire time I was in Paris, but the moment I set foot on the island, the sun came out. When I told Sondheim where I was, he replied, -˜You’re obsessed!’

Sondheim was not the only person to tell Parke such a thing as he pursued his international crusade. Before travelling to the Chicago Art Institute to see the painting, he also met Mandy Patinkin in New York, who had created the role on Broadway.

Parke then took off to London to meet Australian Philip Quast, who won awards and acclaim for his interpretation in the 1992 West End production. A day in Paris then took him to Seurat’s home, studio, grave and finally to the island where the art work was set.

I felt that I had a responsibility to Seurat as he was a real man, and I wanted to get an understanding of all the things that were going on inside his head. As I visited each of these places, I did feel I started to piece it together.

This character just wants to be understood, and that is what drives him through the show. And that is what Sondheim wanted when he was writing this, as many people thought this show was so avant-garde at the time. I think it is musical theatre at the greatest level I know.

Parke stars with Amie McKenna in the Q Theatre’s new production, which is being directed by David Hollywood with musical direction by Greg Crease.

An all-new production of Sunday In The Park With George recently won five Olivier Awards, including Outstanding Musical Production, on London’s West End.

Sondheim says it is his favourite show as well as his most personal show, Parke says. The love story will connect with most people, but the stuff about his art will connect with other people too.

Sunday In The Park With George opens 8 March at Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith. Bookings on 4723 7600 or at www.ticketmaster.com.au.