A seasoned performer stars in ‘Moulin Rouge’
“Dance has offered me unique experiences. When I’m on stage, even when I’m rehearsing alone, I can forget everything. It’s about an absolute sense of freedom… There’s only music and rhythm,» said Natascza Soozie Boon in an interview with Kathimerini. The British performer is the star of «Moulin Rouge,» a musical performance produced by Sven Gottlicher, currently on stage at the Coronet Theater. A spectacular show featuring signature tunes from much-loved musicals, impressive set designs and costumes, the production was inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film «Moulin Rouge,» starring Nicole Kidman. At the Coronet, an eccentric star asks a young poet to write songs just for her. Madly in love with her, he decides to write a new piece of work about the Moulin Rouge. «I’ve got the lead part, I’m Ava, an eccentric diva who always wants to be the center of attention,» said Boon. «She believes that sensitive people who believe in love are idiots. Everything will change, however, when she falls in love…» Born in Oxford, Boon began dancing at a very young age, performing professionally by the time she was 10. At the age of 12, she entered the Italia Conti Academy of Theater Arts. While studying, she participated in various productions at London’s Royal Opera House and the Palladium and Dominion theaters. After her graduation, she traveled around the world performing in productions of popular musicals such as «Cabaret,» «Cats,» «Chicago,» «Evita» and «Showgirls,» while recently, she starred in two feature films, Olaf Ittenbach’s «Beyond the Limits» and «Garden of Love.» «Dance is a combination of art and hard work. Another reason why I love it is that it demands huge amounts of discipline,» said Boon. «I will never forget the first time I took part in a professional show, when I was 10. I was so lucky to get this chance and at the same time so nervous!» The performer also spent several years performing at the glamorous Lido in Paris. «First of all, that is where I grew stronger, and learned how to act as a professional. It was an important experience, not just for my CV but for me personally, as an artist. You work next to professionals who teach you useful details, the secrets of the trade. What’s more, you make some useful contacts; you learn to work hard with tight deadlines, often going beyond your limits!» said Boon. «Musicals are very demanding. You have to be a good actor, singer and dancer, all at the same time. You have to develop many different facets of yourself.» Coronet Theater, 11 Frynis, Pangrati, tel 210.701.2123.
