Chapin Ayers Leap of Faith Interview

North Shore Theatre Company Puts Love and Miracles to the Test with Tony Nominated Leap Of Faith

Leap of Faith is set to raise the roof when North Shore Theatre Company (NSTC) open at The Independent Theatre, North Sydney from 5 to 14 October.

With music composed by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken - responsible for all-time classics Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors and Disney's The Little Mermaid - his latest installment is guaranteed to have audiences dancing in the aisles.

Tony award nominated musical Leap of Faith is based on 1992 film of the same name that starred Steve Martin and Debra Winger. It tells the story of 'Reverend' Jonas Nightingale, a part-time reverend and a full time con artist, who is travelling with his ministry. When his bus breaks down in the middle of a small drought-ridden Kansas town, Jonas plans an impromptu revival to take the entire town for a ride in three short days. Nightingale pitches his tent but the town's sheriff Marla McGowan is determined to stop the charismatic con man from taking the people's money.

Director of NSTC's production of Leap of Faith Chapin Ayres fell in love with the show while visiting New York six years ago. "I saw Leap of Faith on Broadway in 2012 not knowing anything about it, and I just fell in love with the music and heart of the show immediately," she said. "It has the perfect balance of being both funny and touching, and each character is crafted perfectly.

Ayres is also President of NTSC and feels Leap of Faith is a seamless addition to the company's niche - producing new and different musicals. "We are presenting shows that either have not been done before in Australia or have a wonderful book," she said. "We steer away from popular musicals that many community theatre groups love performing and instead offer audiences a show they've never seen before."

Can the ultimate cynic take a real leap of faith? Leap of Faith offers a moving tribute to the power of inspiration and love. Ayres said audience members who think they are coming to get 'preached at' will get a good surprise. "Leap of Faith is not about religion, it's about your own personal belief systems and whether you believe miracles really can happen," she said. "I think we have all met someone like Jonas at some point in our life – cocky, gifted, persuasive, good looking – he's like that 'bad boy' that every girls wants in their teens but we know are flawed and in terrible emotional trouble."

Sensational songs and explosive choreography are just some of the treats audiences are guaranteed at The Independent Theatre from 5 to 14 October when North Shore Theatre Company present the Australian premiere of Leap of Faith. Can love and a miracle save a sinner?

Performances: Friday 5 October at 7:30pm
Saturday 6 October at 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Wednesday 10 October at 7:30pm
Friday 12 October at 7:30pm
Saturday 13 October at 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Sunday 14 October at 3:00pm
Location: The Independent, 269 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW
Tickets: www.northshoretheatrecompany.org/leap-of-faith

Interview with Chapin Ayers

Question: How would you describe Leap of Faith?

Chapin Ayers: Leap of Faith is a musical based on the 1992 film with Steve Martin and Debra Winger. It about a con artist, Jonas Nightingale, who poses as a travelling evangelist. When his bus breaks down in a small drought-ridden Southern town, he tries to make the best of the situation by exploiting the community for all its worth.

Jonas plans an impromptu revival to take the entire town of Sweetwater for a ride within 3 days.

However, a woman named Marla McGowan is determined to stop Jonas from taking the people's money. Marla and her disabled son, Jake, show Jonas another alternative.

A story that looks honestly at 'faith' and 'doubt'.


Question: What made you fall in love with the show?

Chapin Ayers: I saw it on Broadway in 2012 and just loved it. It has a lot of heart and soul. As well as the incredible music by Allan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Little Shop of Horrors and Sister Act ). The music is a wonderful mix of Gospel, Broadway and Country. The characters are beautifully written and has a strong book. I like to be emotionally connected to the story and this show touches you and makes you laugh.


Question: Can you tell us about the cast of Leap of Faith?

Chapin Ayers: We have 17 people in the cast including a 10 year old boy. Mateo Morchio plays are charismatic, confident, bad boy Jonas. He has jumped into this role with both feet and is doing an incredible job. Michaela Leisk who plays Marla works professionally and is revelling in the fun of this show. We have a new comer, Taggie Ennis, who is Irish and hasn't performed in Australia until now. Rachael Gillfeather who plays Ida Mae has one of the most powerful voices very well suited to this score. It really is a fun show and the cast are just loving it.


Question: Do you believe that the ultimate cynic can take a real leap of faith?

Chapin Ayers: Absolutely, and that is exactly what this show is about. You can think you know what's going on and then something happens and it throws you a curve ball and it makes you look at all your preconceptions and beliefs. I think deep down, everyone believes in miracles.

Question: What do you love most about directing?

Chapin Ayers: I love the process of working with creative people to tell a good story. Each actor brings a different gift/feel to the stage and it is a pleasure to work with the intangible. When a scene really comes together, it is such a wonderful and exciting process to be a part of.


Question: Can you share with us the most difficult part about preparing for Leap of Faith?

Chapin Ayers: There is a fine line between 'preaching' and 'performing'. Mateo, who plays Jonas Nightingale, has to walk that line each night. You don't want the audience to feel preached at so you need it to be slightly heightened but not over the top where it just looks fake. I was always concerned about that in rehearsals and we have worked hard to maintain that line. With an Alan Menken score, music preparation is always a must. This score has fantastic music but it is incredibly difficult to learn and perform.


Question: What do you hope audiences take from Leap of Faith?

Chapin Ayers: I hope they just sit back and enjoy the show and think a little about their own belief system. I think they will fall in love with Jonas and Marla and go on their journey with them.


Question: What's next for you?

Chapin Ayers: A break! I have a few projects in the pipeline but nothing is confirmed yet, but I do need a break before I get back on the stage horse.


Question: And, what's next for the North Shore Theatre Company?
Chapin Ayers: Our shows confirmed for next year are Avenue Q and Drowsy Chaperone. We are trying to produce shows with good books and a smaller cast and will continue on our mission for 2019.


Interview by Brooke Hunter