Erika Heynatz has had a successful career as a model, actor, singer
and television personality. Now she has made the leap into musical
theatre, landing a part in Legally Blonde as Brooke Wyndham, a fitness queen who is accused of murdering her 60-year-old husband. Kate Waterhouse caught up with the 36-year-old to talk about her new gig, proving herself and her plans for the future.
Where do your priorities lie?
At the moment, wholeheartedly with this job [Legally Blonde].
I think, as an entertainer, all the jobs leading up to this have been a
great education, and in some ways I wish I had done this earlier
because it would have given me more confidence because there is
something about having a whole ensemble on stage singing with you. It's
that strength and support, rather than being out on your own doing it. I
feel this has really helped with that and I think if I go back to
television, or if I go back to film, that there is a whole bunch of new
skills I now have.
Why did you switch to musical theatre?
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I did musical theatre in high school but that was 20 years
ago, so it's a long time in between. Professional musical theatre isn't
really the same as high school, but it was something I always wanted to
do. I never had the courage to do it but my husband said, ''What are you
waiting for? Put your hand in the ring and see what happens.'' This
was the first script I had been sent and as soon as I read this role,
everything about the job felt right. It felt like it was meant to be.
You play a fitness instructor. Have you had to amp up your training routine?
[Yes.] I thought, ''This will be fine,'' because I love going
to the gym and I always train for an hour a day anyway, but then a few
people said, ''No, you need to prepare yourself. This is a different
type of fitness; show fitness is a totally different type of stamina.''
Apart from the fact that you're dancing and singing, it's more about the
amount of energy you put out, it's a 2½-hour show, twice a day. It took
a lot for me to develop that stamina.
You've received a lot of praise for this role. Was that expected?
I think that, more than anything, people are really excited
for me. People see the joy I get out of it. Naturally, when you break
into anything new, there is always a lot of curiosity. So I was
conscious that people were curious about how I would handle it. Everyone
wants to know what the new kid is about; there is an initiation you
have to go through with every new job.
Did you feel the pressure to prove yourself?
Yes. As I say, there is an initiation phase. Recording my
music and making my music video, that type of singing is completely
different from the type of singing in theatre so, absolutely, you have
to prove yourself.
Do you plan to continue in theatre?
If there is the opportunity out there, absolutely! [But] I
don't want to shut any doors. Writing for television is something I
haven't done yet. I would like to try that.
Will you put out another solo album?
Not at this stage. This type of singing suits me better; I
get a lot of joy out of this. With solo work, for me the satisfaction
was travelling around the world, working with different writers and the
whole creative process [but] what happened after that I had no control
over. With theatre, you are working with a group of people and it's a
constant creative experience, which I really enjoy.
Do you miss your days hosting Australia's Next Top Model?
Yes, there is no way I couldn't be sentimental about any of the jobs I've had.
Do you have any advice for the new host, Jen Hawkins?
What I admire about Jen is her work ethic, and a lot of
girls, particularly the younger generations, aren't aware of the work
ethic that's required. She has gone from being the girl next door to a
smart businesswoman. I think, if anything, she can really drive that
home to them, but everyone needs to put their own stamp on it. I think
she will love it; it's a fantastic job.
WE WENT TO Mr Wong, CBD
WE ATE Scallop and prawn shumai; half Peking duck; yellowfin tuna sashimi; braised asparagus, broccoli and sugar snap peas.
WE DRANK Silver jasmine green tea.
ERIKA WORE Camilla and marc dress, Alexander Wang heels, Salvatore Ferragamo bag.
