Jannali mum Kate Maree Hoolihan is used to singing and dancing with the stars.
Kate Maree’s credits include Mamma Mia!, The Boy From Oz and We Will Rock You, for which she won a Helpmann Award for Best Female Artist in a Musical.
And after taking several years away from performing for motherhood, she is about to return to the stage in the ensemble of the 60th anniversary production of My Fair Lady at the Sydney Opera House after being personally selected by the show’s director and original star, Dame Julie Andrews.
Kate Maree has been working constantly since graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
“I went straight out of university into the cast of Mamma Mia! in 2001 performing in the ensemble and covering the lead role of Sophie for over a year where I really earned my stripes,” she said.
She then secured the lead role of Scaramouche in the Queen musical We Will Rock You at the Lyric Theatre in 2003 for which she won her Helpmann Award.
She has worked with Hugh Jackman in the Arena Spectacular version of The Boy From Oz and played the role of Petra in A Little Night Music with Anthony Warlow.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with some massive names, including the guys from ABBA on the Australian production of Mamma Mia!”
Kate Maree and husband Troy, an economist, have two boys, Greyson, three, and Flynn, two.
“I’m dipping my toe back into water,” she said. “That’s why I’m doing the ensemble.”
For her role she auditioned for Dame Julie Andrews.
“Meeting her was incredible,” Kate Maree said.
“I auditioned for her at 5pm. She had been holding auditions since 9am. I walked in and she was sitting behind the desk, it was the end of a long day and she was glowing. She was so giving and so warm. She stood up, shook my hand and greeted me by name. She gave every single person who walked in the door a compliment. It just proves what a graceful and wonderful woman she is.
“I’m not a big name myself but I’m very lucky to have worked with these people and have a consistent career.”
This will be the first time Kate Maree she has worked since her sons were born.
“They know mummy sings. We do a lot of singing at home, mainly The Wiggles and Play School,’’ she said.
“They know something different is coming and Mummy won’t be at home as much, but I think it is important that they see their parents are doing something that they love.
“It will help them succeed, as well.”
My Fair Lady opens at the Sydney Opera House on August 30 and is playing until November 5.
