The winner of “I Will Survive” has been announced and the inaugural winner is … Mike Snell.
Yesterday I chatted to Mike and have to say he is a lot different that how he comes across on the show. Mike even admits that he was edited as “too serious” and he is actually extremely funny and so passionate about his career. A well deserved win!
Congratulations Mike! So you’ve won $250,000, a 12 month contract with ICM management in New York plus a 4 week stay there. Did you think you could win?
I did think that I could, but I doubted it at times. I got slack for not being myself but had such strong ethics and determination. It’s hard to set in.
You have said that your Grandad is your true inspiration – how proud is he and your family?
My Grandad is so proud. When I told him he yelled “You bloody beauty!” It surprised them all. They thought I may be a struggling artist. Being in the shows I have, going to New York and winning the final prize has blown them away.
Are you going to try your luck on Broadway?
I’m definitely going back and trying to make it on Broadway but first am finishing Legally Blonde that may tour Melbourne and Brisbane. After all is done and I get my Green Card, I’m going. I’m very determined to make it. I said everyday that I’d make it to New York and I did.
You’ve done Wicked, The Boy From Oz, Miss Saigon, Hairspray and now Legally Blonde, what’s been your favourite?
Dancing along side Hugh Jackman in “The Boy From Oz” was a career highlight. He’s always been someone I have looked up to. He knew everyone from the company and cast and treated them all with the same respect and is so genuine. That’s something I really took inspiration from. He is a true triple threat. He can go from Broadway to films so effortlessly. “Wicked” with Rob Guest was amazing and he is a great loss to us all.
Have you always loved musical theatre?
Growing up I always loved Gene Kelly and “Singin’ in the Rain”. Growing up mum couldn’t afford it (musical theatre) though so I watched “Grease” and “Dirty Dancing.”
Who was your favourite judge and guest judge?
Stephan Elliott – I loved him and he always believed in me. I respected all his criticism and he was so passionate and taught me to think outside the square. Jason and I didn’t click. My favourite guest judge was Asher Keddie – she changed my life. Due to the hour editing you didn’t get to see one of my favourite performances that was me singing “Break Even” by The Script, and I made her cry.
So what was your favourite performance?
I loved last week’s Chippendale’s challenge because I feel most comfortable in front of a live audience, I come to life and love a roomful of people love to perform to any audience. I also loved the final performance where I went on to prove I was a triple threat in theatre. We had $1000 for the challenge that saw us have to come up in 24 hours with a show, I was proud of that.
Who was a bigger threat in the end, Tom or Nathan?
Tom because the judges just adored him. I called him “Can’t do no wrong, Tom”
What are your favourite TV shows?
Smash – it’s my life on-screen. I also loved Puberty Blues as it reminded me of my childhood.
Legally Blonde is currently showing at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney.
To read an interview wit Tom click here http://www.throng.com.au/2012/09/tom-sharah-interview-i-will-survive/#comment-690908079
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