Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Education: High School at Sydney Technical High
Select Credits: Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, Thenardier in Les Mis, Miss Understanding in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, - world premiere cast.
Why theater?: I've loved it since I saw Cats when I was 5. It's all I ever dreamed of doing, so I'm glad I make a living doing it all over the world.
Tell us about Liza’s Back (Is Broken): It's a fantasy that I wrote, where Liza Minnelli recounts the roles that she should have played. Basically it's a great chance to belt out a whole bunch of Musical Theater anthems, but give them the Minnelli twist.
What is it like being a part of Liza’s Back (Is Broken)?: I love it. I've done this show across the globe and wherever I go it always gets huge laughs and a great reaction!
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I love all kinds... musical theatre is obviously my passion, but I love drama, dance, opera. I am always inspired seeing people onstage as I know how hard it can be, but when you get to see something really special: like Bette Midler last year in Hello, Dolly! – well, that's when you know you're in the room with greatness.
What’s your favorite showtune?: Fuck, I love so many, but at the moment, “Some People.”
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Bette Midler or Patti LuPone. Or Nathan Lane. Too many!!
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: It would be called: “TrAshley! The Musical.” I would hope that Jonathan Groff would play me. He's obviously much thinner and better looking, but so am I in my head.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: I would love to see the original cast of Chicago – and maybe also one of the performances where Liza took over for a few weeks. It's one of my favourites, and I would love to have seen Gwen Verdon and Chita. It must have been something!
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Come From Away. I make everyone coming to New York see it. It was my favourite of that season.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Wine. I love wine. But I've stopped drinking for 6 months. Trying to prove to myself I can do it!!
What’s up next?: I go straight home to do a concert at the Sydney Opera House. I'm very lucky!
Trevor Ashley’s Liza’s Back (Is Broken) makes its American debut at Sony Hall on Monday, February 4. For more on Trevor, visit trevorashley.com.au
