From a Fifties pop star to Frozen prince, Thomas McGuane’s latest role now beats a little differently as he embraces his rhythm in the Tap Pack.
Tell us about your world of tap dancing.
Thomas McGuane: I began training in tap quite late compared to others. I started at age fourteen and fell in love with it because I loved the rhythm. That also translated very well into playing the drums which were something else I did. I was able to translate two worlds into one and create a great rhythm.
And now you’re touring with the Tap Pack.
I feel quite honoured to be a part of the Tap Pack because I remember seeing their show at the Sydney Opera House in 2018. I was blown away by the skills, unison and showmanship. And the class of those gentlemen was fantastic. I now have the privilege of being a part of that, which is very rewarding. It’s so wonderful to create rhythms together with others on stage and the Tap Pack is crafted so well as it builds and builds in momentum.
Do you have a tap icon?
Gene Kelly is the top dog for me. He had class and did storytelling with fun and joy. That’s what I like to live by, let alone dance by. I love the way Gene moves with such ease and I try to emulate that, but with my own twists. Gene was a performer in his own right and created a legacy for dance. As far as current-day icons go, I’m getting to dance with them all right now on stage, and I’m over the moon about it!
Thomas McGuane with other members of the Tap Pack
You recently played Prince Hans in Frozen, and you’ve performed in Bring It On and Jersey Boys. Do you have a dream role yet to fulfil?
As actors, there are roles we want to play and roles we are appropriate for, which the world kind of sees us in. It’s a very objective and subjective job in that you think you can play it all, but the world only truly sees you in a couple of ways. I often find that tricky, but I would love to play Evan in Dear Evan Hansen. That would be vocally right up my alley. It’s my ear candy and the acting chops needed for that role are also unique and full-on.
“My gay friends on Frozen were always there to lend an ear and shoulder.”
Any others?
Roger or Mark in RENT. I grew up listing to that album and I love Jonathan Larson’s writing and the concept of a modern rock sing-through production.
We asked Jason Arrow who plays Alexander Hamilton if he raps in his sleep, but do you tap in your sleep?
(Laughing) Funny enough, whenever I’m sitting somewhere and waiting for something, I’ll either tap my feet or thighs with my hands and sometimes even chew in rhythm. I know it’s odd, but I’ll chew food to a song!
ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus, said that while jogging he came up with the rolling beat for Take a Chance On Me. Do you relate to that?
Yes, that’s a brilliant story. I certainly understand how you can find a rhythm through running. In tap dancing, I don’t know a step unless I can hear all the beats and jogging can help create that energy.
Thomas McGuane as Prince Hans in Frozen
Life in musical theatre is very colourful. Do you have a group of gay mates to hang out with?
I do, but I often find a lot of my gay friends are on the shows I’m never in! My dad is gay too, so I’m often surrounded by beautiful human beings who are fantastic company. My gay friends on Frozen were always there to lend an ear and shoulder and I consider them very close. In musical theatre, we have a beautiful relationship with such an eccentric group of different personalities. It’s a unique industry where you put your heart out on stage and it invites relationships.
Did your dad come out when you were young or later in life?
He came out when I was halfway through grade six and I remember it being big news. It was back when coming out was still quite new and scary for society. But fast forward to now and I couldn’t ask for a more loving and caring father, whom I love and accept. He’s always accepted me and my family as well and I will love him forever.
It’s kind of a reverse situation to what one usually hears, where the son comes out.
It was hard because you see your parents as a certain kind of person, and then when they finally accept who they are, it’s tricky. Particularly being young and suddenly seeing them as their new self, because you have an assumption of what they were. But I’ve grown up watching someone open up and blossom to turn into who they are and it’s wonderful. It was never hard to accept him, and I’ve seen how excited and proud he is of me. He saw Frozen about sixteen times and he’s my number one fan.
“It was never hard to accept my dad being gay, and I’ve seen how excited and proud he is of me.”
What celebrity would you turn gay for?
I have an affinity for Hugh Jackman. He has such great charisma and personality. I love how he gets to know everyone by name on set, but on top of that, I love his work ethic. He goes into a job head-first and builds the physical or mental strength needed for a role. He’s also an utterly attractive rugged Australian man!
You grew up in Colac where Joel Creasey was notoriously chased out of town by homophobes! Have you ever seen homophobia there?
I’ve heard stories of that happening but haven’t experienced it. But it’s not something that I identify Colac with. I find Colac quite welcoming. It very much has a country mindset separated from the metro. It’s very home-grown where families have lived for generations. With my dad being gay in Colac, it was never a problem and always celebrated. I think Colac is welcoming to the gay community.
What’s your irresistible burn-the-floor song?
It must be something with an infectious beat. I love Justin Timberlake and Usher, but I’d have to say Footloose by Kenny Loggins. What an absolute banger!
Who’s your music diva?
Dua Lipa has created some fantastic songs and I love Adele. But I’d have to say, Ariana Grande, especially singing Positions.
The Tap Pack
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Success is when opportunity and preparation come together”. You need to be able to do the work and build skills so that when the opportunities arise, you’re ready to meet them.
Who’s your biggest inspiration in the world of theatre?
Throughout Frozen Jemma Rix was my confidant. I admire her for the way she gives all of herself. She’s a beautiful, insightful and spiritual person who knows herself. She’s so unbelievably kind, compassionate and a great listener. While on Frozen I went through quite a dark time in the beginning because I was going through a breakup, and on opening night she gave me a book called A New Earth that changed my life. I can never thank her enough for that. Also, my tap teacher at uni, Eden Read fostered my growth and challenged me all the way. He gave me an appreciation for the technical elements of tap and found joy and character in choreography.
Matt Myers with Thomas McGuane
Do you have a grooming tip?
I wash my hair every second day, and some say not to, but it works for me. I love grooming, doing a face mask and eye patches. I love the routine of looking after myself and having a ‘night in’ for that. I’ll feel refreshed and it creates that self-love environment.
What’s your biggest onstage wardrobe malfunction?
In Jersey Boys, I wore navy blue pants, and one pair was quite tight around the thighs. One night I had the tight pair on and thirty seconds before walking on stage I bent over for a warm-up stretch, heard a rip, and realised my crotch had split entirely. All I was wearing underneath was a jockstrap! I had to walk out on stage and stay for about twenty-five minutes with that hole in my pants. I thought “Wow, so this is live theatre!”
“He came out when I was halfway through grade six and I remember it being big news.”
On the beach is it boardies or Speedos?
Boardies for the simple reason that I’m used to them. But I admire people who put on a Speedo. My good friend Doron Chester loves to wear a Speedo and I love his confidence. When I see him in a Speedo I think “Oh of course!”
Briefs, boxer briefs or free balling?
I’m a briefs man but for night-time … well, I’ll leave that to everyone’s imagination!
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Follow Thomas on Instagram @thomas_mcguane
