Thursday, January 30, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Regan Walker’s Journey From Mackay To Musical Theatre Stardom By Chelsea Ravizza

What started as a dream has skyrocketed to a limelight reality for 21-year-old Regan Walker.
With Wicked soon to be listed alongside Matilda and Grease on Regan’s impressive musical resume, he will undoubtedly lead an impressive Broadway-bound career.

Originally from Mackay, Regan first laced up his dancing shoes at the age of four, following in the footsteps of his older siblings. As Regan turned nine, he decided to dip his toe into singing and acting, and soon enough, he became a triple threat, dedicating hours to singing, dancing and acting each week.

With his love for the stage growing as the years went on, Regan’s mother, Lesa Walker, reached out to a connection in Brisbane after Regan turned 11 to organise an audition for an upcoming musical. A couple of audition rounds later, Regan successfully transitioned to online schooling for 11 months to pursue three months of rehearsals and seven months of performances in Sydney for Matilda the Musical.

“When I came back to Mackay, I was straight into musical theatre as that experience set me on my path, and I knew I definitely wanted to keep doing this and see where it could take me in the future,” explained Regan.

“Matilda was a great stepping stone with what I wanted to do in my career and led me on the path to where I am today.

“I was so young, but I had the idea that I really wanted to continue this into my adult life, and soon enough, here I am, performing in Grease!”

Regan reminisces on the influence and guidance apparent in his earlier years spent at Mackay’s Aspire Performing Arts Studio. He thanks his dance teachers for their dedication and hard work and for teaching him so much at such a young age. As Regan progressed further into singing and acting, he found Hugh Jackman’s stage presence and abilities beyond amazing, and he somewhat looks up to the actor for inspiration.

“Growing up, watching his performances, I always knew him as the song and dance type of person who can do it all,” Regan shared.

Following his high school graduation, Regan began a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Musical Theatre at the University of Melbourne, where he fully immersed himself in all areas of the stage and perfected his talents in singing, dancing, and acting.  

While completing his third and final year of his degree, Regan was fortunate to receive a contract to perform as Sonny in Grease the Musical. This led him to balance a full-time study and performance schedule for just under five months. After a rollercoaster audition process, Regan has felt nothing but gratitude since he answered the acceptance phone call last July.

“I literally burst into tears – I thought this can’t be real, and I called mum and dad straight away,” Regan enthused.

“Playing a supportive role in my first (postgraduate) musical is so special, as well as being back in my home state (Queensland) and close to Mackay, and to have fun while working, and doing something that I am passionate about, and love is such a gift.”

Alongside industry royals including Marcia Hines and Patty Newton, Regan has completed 35 performances of Grease in Adelaide and another 35 performances in Brisbane. However, he still finds himself lost for words to share the stage with such a terrifically talented cast.

Regan continues to learn something new every day, especially from the outstanding professionals he works with on each production. Recently, however, Regan celebrated perfecting one skill in particular, essential to his role as ‘Sonny’.

“I have only JUST mastered how to do my hair consistently to stay high up and in place – it has taken a lot of hair drying, brushing and hairspray, and it’s a BIG thing before every show – it has to be perfect,” Regan laughed.

After perfecting his do, Regan’s preshow ritual involves energising with a packet of jellybeans, warming up his mind, body, and vocal cords, and finally, taking a couple of deep breaths before getting into action.

“Being on stage is just a feeling that I cannot describe; it’s amazing.

“Before the show, I tell myself, “You’re going to kill it” to keep me present, and then it tends to be a good one.”

With a contract secured to perform in Wicked the Musical, Regan’s dreams are well and truly coming true, and his horizon just continues to broaden.  

“Wicked has been a dream show for goodness knows how long, and it was the first show I ever saw in QPAC, so to be able to perform with QPAC just feels like a dream come true,” said Regan.

“I hope to establish myself more in Australia, and the end goal is to perform on West End in London or on Broadway in New York, but I don’t know how long until then, it could be five years, it could be 10 years, who knows, but that’s where I want to end up.”

Mackay-born performer, Regan Walker, living his dream as Sonny in Grease and paving the way to Broadway

The cast of Grease delivers electrifying energy on stage, with Mackay’s own Regan Walker shining as Sonny in the iconic musical. Photos supplied

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