I was very fortunate to be invited to attend the opening night of Once the Musical at ASB Waterfront Theatre last week in Auckland too see a fabulous live show performed with loads of heart recreating the iconic movie ONCE, starring Kiwi actors including Lisa Crawley in the roles.
Ivanka, the lead actress daughter, played by Lucia Yoon was amazing. She was the reason I did a standing ovation.
We catch up with the busy seven-year-old and asked her about the highlights of her experience so far.
WHAT’S YOUR NAME? Lucia Yoon.
HOW OLD ARE YOU? I’m 7 years old.
HIGHLIGHT SO FAR? Being able to spend lots of time at rehearsals watching all the musicians play their instruments is very cool. I now understand the shows I watched throughout the years with my family, how there are so many people involved working for the success of each show. And now I’m a small part of this show, I try to be professional too. Mum and I, we arrive early, we take two violins with us in case I break one, and we take snacks and drinks, and activities with us to keep our energy up and in case I’m too bored during waiting times. I say hi to everyone and when it’s my turn I try to be as brave as I can. I make pictures and cards for the cast members I really like. I just like jamming with all of them, making music!
Oh and I received flowers for the first time, from my School Principal, that was a highlight. And very fun some people were very kind, and came up to me and asked for photos with me after the show last night.
HAVE YOU DONE ANY ACTING BEFORE: I did some filming before when I was very little, like 2.5, for Meadowfresh. Last year I was cast for an Air New Zealand TVC. It was very fun. I had to pretend it was my birthday. I This year I did a TVC for Dilworth and I haven’t seen it yet. I’d really like to see it. I haven’t done any speech and drama lessons. At my school, we start in year 4. I told Mummy I want to do that. So I will do that next year. I would like to be the main actress one day, like my pretend mum in ONCE, Lisa Crawley.
ABOUT MY FAMILY: I have a little brother who really likes dinosaurs and the colour green. Although I hate green and my mum loves green, and my dad likes pink! My family is always on time; never want to be late. We are a creative kind of family. Although some of us prefer doing lots of maths, and we have different personalities and opinions. most people in my family are lolly dispensers!
INSTRUMENTS I PLAY: I play piano, violin, recorder, ukulele and I take voice lessons too. I told my family I’d like to play more instruments but they told me to master the ones I have now first. So I’m waiting.
THE SORT OF THINGS I LIKE: I like batteries, tapes and working on different inventions. Right now I’m working to improve my burglary invention! I also like fancy frilly makeup stuff and lots and lots of pretty stationery.
WHAT I WANT TO BE WHEN I GROW UP: Before I wanted to be a mermaid. Now I want to be a cupcake eater! And I want to be a surgeon, a physicist, a biologist, a chemist, police, a baker, a designer, a dressmaker and an artist!
FAVOURITE ICE-CREAM FLAVOUR: Can I have two favourites? Goody goody gumdrops, and orange chocolate chips!
Go see Lucia, Lisa, and all the cast of ONCE The Musical at ASB Waterfront Theatre in Auckland while the season lasts. You won’t regret it!
Photos Alice Yoon
June 2019