My Top 5 Showtunes: Danny Mac
Danny Mac is best known for his TV work including a long-running role in Hollyoaks and as a finalist in Strictly Come Dancing. His theatre credits include Les Miserables, Wicked, and most recently On the Town at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.
He is currently starring in Sunset Boulevard, which runs at Curve Leicester until 30 September and then tours the UK until April 2018.
We caught up with Danny and asked him: "If you were stranded on a desert island which five showtunes could you not live without?"
DM: My disclaimer(!): This was tough… I decided to choose songs that have meant the most to me personally or have made me feel strongly during my life and/or career. I have to apologise that there is no Sondheim, Gershwin, Porter or anything from West Side Story! But I’d be here all day!
1. "No One Mourns The Wicked" from Wicked
Wicked was a dream job and my first job out of drama school. I spent two years with two wonderful casts and this was the first song we learned in rehearsals. I could have pinched myself. It was as magical to be in as it is to watch. The first chords of this opening still give me goosebumps.
2. "Coney Island Dream Ballet" from On The Town
I have to choose this. The orchestration is magnificent. Hearing it every night at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, under the stars, was truly magical. It was such a special show for me and such a wonderful company. Drew McOnie is a genius and Tom Deering led a stunning orchestra to bring this music to our audiences every night. We renamed it "The McOnie Island Dream Ballet" of course!
3. "All The Wasted Time" from Parade
For me, the 2007 Donmar Warehouse production of Parade remains one of the best pieces of musical theatre I’ve ever seen. I was a student and knew nothing about the show before I saw it. I left broken! By the time it closed I’d seen it four times – I stood twice after queuing for day seats. This song is heartbreakingly beautiful and is a pinnacle moment for Leo and Lucille who were played so superbly by the incredible Bertie Carvel and Lara Pulver. They both went on to do okay! (I also have to give a nod to Stuart Matthew Price for his stunning rendition of "The Old Red Hills of Home" from the same cast recording).
4. "Sunset Boulevard" from Sunset Boulevard
I grew up knowing various tracks from this score but I never got to see the show. One of the best things about playing Joe Gillis now has been discovering the show and the character properly for the first time. I have the pleasure of listening to the magnificent Ria Jones every night and I’m always captivated by her remarkable Norma Desmond. Norma has some stunning songs but I’ve gone for this one, not because it’s Joe’s big number, but because the music on this track alone is so powerful.
5. "One Day More" from Les Misérables
Having played Gavroche as a young boy, this was the show that made me commit to being an actor and that decision has kind of steered my entire life so I have to acknowledge it. If I had to pick one, Les Misérables would be it. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen this show but I never tire of it. It’s strangely come full circle as my wife currently plays Fantine. There are so many songs I could have chosen but this one has a little bit of all of them. I just love it!
