Prinnie's thrilling role
Prinnie Stevens will get to live out a childhood dream when she pays tribute to Michael Jackson and his signature dance moves on stage.
The singer, who made it to the live shows on the first series of The Voice Australia in 2012, will headline the Australian run of hit musical Thriller Live, which has become one of the longest-running shows on London's West End and played in more than 28 countries.
While Stevens is best known for her star turn on the reality quest, she is no stranger to the theatre, having appeared on stage from the age of 17 and earning a Helpmann Award nomination for her performance in Oh, What a Night!.
In WA to sing at Crown Perth's sold-out Melbourne Cup event, Exquisite, today with close friend and fellow Voice competitor Mahalia Barnes, the 34-year-old told AAA she could not wait to step into the shoes of her idol in the musical.
"People have seen me in the pop world but musical theatre was my first love - I did it straight out of school," Stevens said.
"Now to be able to put my pop music and my musical theatre background together is amazing. I am a singer/dancer and Michael Jackson was the ultimate singer/dancer. He influenced me so much as a child; his videos took me to another place."
Rather than impersonate the King of Pop, Stevens will share the lead role with two females and two males to put their own touch on his catalogue of hits and iconic choreography.
Before the Australian tour kicks off at Crown Theatre from December 10-21, the cast will perform the show on the West End for a two-week run. Stevens said the thought of making her debut in the renowned theatre district was "insane".
"I am a little scared too because it's been a while since I have done eight shows a week," she admitted.
"I have worked my whole life for this - I have been dancing since I was four and singing since I was eight. In my career I have always had crazy things asked of me and a lot of workload thrown at me but that's just part of being a performer. I can't wait to get there and get on stage."
Also thrilled for Stevens is her eight-year-old daughter Sania, who is becoming quite the Jackson fan in her own right.
"She is beyond excited, more so about Michael Jackson than me though," the proud mother said with a laugh.
