INTERVIEW: Reed Luplau of ‘Moulin Rouge!’ directs, choreographs new film
Photo: Reed Luplau is the co-writer, director and choreographer of Places, Please. Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy / Provided by Matt Ross PR with permission.
The artistic process is under the microscope in the new short film Places, Please., co-written, directed and choreographed by Reed Luplau. The movie examines an artist therapy session that features performers struggling with the loss of work due to COVID-19, according to press notes. Many well-known theater actors appear in the short film, including recent Tony winner Danny Burstein, Deborah S. Craig, Krysta Rodriguez, Bahiyah Hibah, Ben Cooke, Joseph Haro and Pixie Aventura. Kaitlin Mesh co-wrote the script with Luplau.
Luplau, originally from Australia, grew up dancing in his mother’s studio, the Jody Marshall Dance Company. He is a graduate of the Australian Ballet School and worked for the Sydney Dance Company. His Broadway credits include Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which he is currently starring in; Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812; and Fiddler on the Roof.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Luplau about Places, Please. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
When did the idea for this short film first come to you?
It was about three months into the pandemic when the reality of theatre was not going to be returning for a while. The devastating news of the world was very heavy, and with very limited resources, I had to find a new way to let out the creative energy that was building up. I found myself waking up with anxiety and slightly remembering obscure dreams. In these dreams, I kept seeing my friends and co-workers sitting in a circle on an empty dark stage, diving deep into their emotions and shedding their feelings of these dark times. I don’t consider myself a writer, but I had to start writing these ideas down. In a way, this was a new purpose to wake up to in the mornings. I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s my truth. I love working in film and thought this would be a perfect reminder for the future of what we all endured during the shutdown.
How hard has it been to be an artist (to be a human) during this pandemic?
Undoubtedly, it was a tough time for everyone. Being an artist, I believe, added more pressure to the situation. A lot of us did not have an outlet to express our frustration. We didn’t have our shows or jobs to go to and let it all out. In the beginning of shutdown, I invested in a good camera; I thought if I can’t perform on stage, maybe this is a good time to venture into something I had a passion for but hadn’t taken the opportunity to explore. Plus, I wanted to document the usual times we were all living in.
Are the artistic skills needed for a film project similar to those needed for theater?
As a newbie to filmmaking, I really wanted to capture the essence and energy of live theatre (there is nothing quite like it). I definitely wanted the audience to feel like they’re on stage with the performers. It is storytelling at the end of the day, and I get to take what we created on film and edit it the way I want the story to be told. Obviously with live theatre, it is happening and unfolding right in front of your eyes. Anything can happen. I was taking what I have learned from my time on the stage and amplifying that to direct this story. What better way to learn and sharpen these skills than to create it and challenge yourself?
How would you describe the film? Is it fictional? Documentary-like? Interpretive?
I honestly just wanted to capture what was happening in the world and in front of our eyes. I wanted to tell a truth and in a theatrically heightened way. Even though the characters are fictional, we based the stories of them from personal experiences. My co-screenwriter, Kaitlin Mesh, and I had multiple discussions with each cast member about their characters. We had the foundation of each one but wanted to draw from their personal experience to make it as relatable as possible. Places, Please. is meant to show how artists were affected by COVID but also to shine light on how we deal with the everyday — the sacrifices, the joys, the heartbreak that this industry, which we love, can bring.
What’s it like to stage dance sequences for film? How does the camera movement help showcase the performance?
I have an absolute blast creating for the camera. You can showcase and utilize where you want your audience to look. For the dance sequences of Places, Please., I really wanted the audience to feel like they are a part of the journey. I want you to be inside the dance, moving with the dances and breathing the same air the actors are.
How excited are you to be in front of an audience again for Moulin Rouge? Nervous?
I am so very excited to be performing again for Moulin Rouge! The Musical. We have an incredible fan base, and I know they will be there on the opening weekend. It has been a long 18 months, and now we get to return to our second homes and release the pent-up creative energy.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Places, Please. is written, directed and choreographed by Reed Luplau. Click here for more information.
