He’s played roles in Hairspray, The Book of Mormon and Guys & Dolls, but Joel Granger’s latest in Phar Lap has him champing at the bit!
Can you explain what Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical is about, and how it’s staged?
The show’s design is very high art and fashionable. I don’t wear a literal horse costume, but I’m quite glamorously presented, and the set looks beautiful. It has that 1920s decadence, and the electro swing songs are so great. I now listen to them all the time, and they give me the urge to go out clubbing. Although the show has a jazz influence, it’s not strictly old-time. It’s very contemporary, with modern influences in the interpretations.
How does one play Phar Lap?
My costume is 1920s active wear with subtle nods to horse parts, thanks to our costume designer, Mason Brown, and I also wear tap shoes. In fact, the racing scenes are completed as tap numbers! I add in a few neighs and whinnies too! It’s about finding a balance between the physical horse and the human protagonist, because the ultimate story is about how people fell in love with the Australian national treasure, Phar Lap.
Joel Granger
There’s certainly a lot of leather, whips, restraints, energy and masculinity involved with horses.
Absolutely. There’s a lot to play with in the show’s design, which we lean into. The jockey Jim Pike sings a song called Ride You with the first lyric being, “I wanna ride you!”. It has a kind of BDSM, Dom/sub energy with an Ariana Grande R&B influence. There’s a great intersection of contemporary camp versus old-time 1920s storytelling. It’s amazing just how many horse puns there are to play with. Our writer, Steven Kramer, has cleverly incorporated many horse jokes into the script.
“I’m lucky in that I didn’t have a traumatic coming-out story.”
How did you prepare to play a horse?
I’m fortunate in that my apartment balcony overlooks Randwick Racecourse, and I see horses walking back and forth every day. Since I landed the role, I’ve been taking notes on how they move and behave. I’ve also ridden a handful of times, so it all adds up to great muscle memory.
How did you break into professional theatre?
I had a lot of little breaks, getting onto people’s radars at different times. I graduated from the Western Australian Academy of the Performing Arts (WAAPA) in Perth in 2015, worked in Melbourne and then in Sydney at the Hayes Theatre in Big Fish. That was a significant breakthrough in getting me onto the Sydney theatre map, and I credit the Hayes for most of my career trajectory and successes. In fact, Phar Lap is my fifth show here.
Joel Granger as Phar Lap with Justin Smith as Harry Telford
Has there been a favourite role?
Yes, Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon. I loved that show. It’s so well written and was a great showcase for my skill set. I did it for two years and never got tired. Because Matt Stone and Trey Parker write South Park every day, they possess great expertise as writers. They are clever craftsmen, and I love the comedy. There was always an immediate and guaranteed reaction from the audience in terms of laughter. I’ve found that most of my career has been centred on comedy and the relationship with the audience. Laughter is a validation!
What was growing up gay like for you?
I’m lucky in that I didn’t have an unhappy or traumatic coming-out story. Family and friends supported me, and working within the arts has an instantly accepting community. My coming out was a gradual process, where I transitioned from high school in New Zealand to Perth, Australia, to continue my studies in acting. It was there that I felt comfortable enough to start coming out. The WAAPA environment was very loving and accepting.
When it comes to electro-Swing, do you have a favourite?
I think of the soundtrack to The Great Gatsby, which is the Phar Lap era, and Fergie’s song A Little Party Never Killed Nobody from the soundtrack. That’s the kind of vibe we’re doing. My favourite song in our show is ‘Gimme That Sugar’, which my character sings. As Phar Lap gets to the height of his fame and success, he gets addicted to sugar, which is a metaphor for cocaine. This song is an awesome club dance number that, ironically, serves as a commentary on fame and what happens when the world of success and greed corrupts these beautiful, wide-eyed, optimistic athletes.
Joel Granger
What about a favourite songstress?
I’m really into Renee Rapp’s new album, Bite Me. She got her start on Broadway, and I love her voice. Also, Ariana Grande, not just for her music, but as a businesswoman. She’s created such a great brand and empire. Greedy is such a great song, and so is Dangerous Woman, which inspired Ride You in our show. I must add that I love Bette Midler – maybe because she’s a fellow ginger! (Laughs). From an early age, I responded to how camp she was, without, of course, realising why.
“From an early age, I responded to how camp Bette Midler was, without, of course, realising why.”
Who inspires you most in this industry?
Mitchell Butel, whom I haven’t worked with but would love to. He’s one of the best actors in Australia, but I also admire how he’s become the new artistic director at STC and remains so down-to-earth. Every time I see him out, he introduces himself and remembers who I am. Hugh Jackman was the same when he visited us at WAPPA. I call it the Rob Mills effect, because he also can make you feel like you’re the most important person in the room. It’s a genuine charisma
Joel Granger as Phar Lap with Nat Jobe as David Davis
Are there any future dream roles you have your sights on?
I have two, and they’re a bit obscure. I’d love to play Whizzer in Falsettos. The Scorpio in me wants to play someone sexually manipulative, and the other is Jimmy in Reefer Madness. He transitions from being earnest and wide-eyed to becoming corrupted, dangerous, and dirty. When I think of it, he’s similar to Phar Lap! It’s great stuff to showcase. Phar Lap is the dream role I never knew I wanted.
“As Phar Lap gets to the height of fame, he gets addicted to sugar – a metaphor for cocaine.”
Joel Granger as Phar Lap with Justin Smith as Harry Telford
What advice can you give to people wanting to pursue a career on stage?
You need to love it and be a nerd about the art. I’m always researching what’s happening out there because I love what I do. But also, be a nice person. You never know when the person at the audition desk, ticking off your name, is going to become a future executive producer. The number of times that I’ve seen that happen! But be nice to everyone, not just because you want a job, but because you want to be a nice person. I truly believe my career is more about people wanting to work with me rather than any specific talent. Remember, it’s only theatre. The stakes don’t need to be nearly as high as some people think.
Do you have a favourite moment in Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical?
Gimme That Sugar is my favourite moment. It’s set in a club called Hoof Doof, and Trent Suidgeest, our fantastic lighting designer, has turned it into a full rave. It’s great fun!
For more visit: hayestheatre.com.au
Follow Joel on Instagram @joelgranger_
Joel Granger
