Seeing eye to eye with Billy

Being an early childhood teacher, Tom O'Carroll describes himself as being more like a Wiggle than the popular, enigmatic lawyer Billy Flynn who he will be playing in the Napier Operatic Society's production of Chicago, A Musical Vaudeville, next month.

The last time the former Auckland-based commercial printer was in a show was as a chorus member and understudy for several roles in the lavish 1994 production of Jesus Christ Superstar, which toured the country.

Besides big names such as Frankie Stevens, Margaret Urlich and Jay Laga'aia, the cast also included then unknowns Kirsten Morrell (Goldenhorse) and Tim Beveridge.

It was during a karaoke session that O'Carroll found out the society was staging the classic prohibition-era tale of the things people do for fame and fortune and decided to try out for the part.

"It's really good being back in a show - it makes me wonder why I had a 17-year break."

O'Carroll, who grew up in Matamata, was introduced to the theatre by his father.

His first big role in a show was Frederick in The Sound of Music, while his father played Captain von Trapp. He went on to perform with the Hamilton Operatic Society and in professional productions.

He also worked with the late Rob Guest, describing him as an inspiration.

Eventually he decided he would rather settle down than "live out of a suitcase" and 4 years ago moved to Napier when his wife received a good job offer.

O'Carroll decided to change career and was the first male to graduate from EIT with an early childhood degree. He now works for ABC Learning Centres.

Also a singer-songwriter, O'Carroll has performed acoustic guitar gigs at the Cabana and says if it weren't for Chicago right now, he may well have started a band already.

He has regular jam sessions with neighbours who play music, including Lee Pritchard who wrote a book on the Cabana's history.

When he finds the time, O'Carroll is also training for his second Cape Kidnappers Challenge, in November.

Chicago also stars Deborah Burnside as vaudevillian Velma Kelly, Aryan Coleman as chorus girl Roxie Hart and Ali Beal as Cook County Jail Matron "Mama" Morton.

With the help of director Wendy Revell, O'Carroll says he's been working hard on figuring out Billy.

All the main characters have hidden agendas but Billy never really shows his hand, apart from expecting $5000 for every case he takes on.

"I've put a lot of work in to trying to get under the skin of my character and I feel Billy and I are now seeing eye to eye."

Info

What: Chicago

Where & When: Tabard Theatre, Napier, July 12-28

Tickets: TicketDirect