FAMOUS FLYER: LUCY DURACK
For Aussie musical star, Lucy Durack, the bright lights of Broadway beckon.
WHICH WAS YOUR BEST HOLIDAY?
Last year my husband, Chris, and I went to New York and LA. I'd just finished working on a film with Portia [de Rossi] and while in LA we were invited to her and Ellen's [DeGeneres] house, which was obviously amazing! In New York we saw six shows in five days; it was Christmas, so everything was beautifully lit-up. We watched the Macy's Thanksgiving parade, ate pumpkin pie and went to the top of the Empire State building. We kept saying 'this holiday can't get any better' and then it did.
AND THE BEST HOTEL YOU'VE STAYED IN?
Abroad, it has to be the Alila Villas Uluwatu Bali. It's so beautiful - private plunge pools, one-on-one yoga classes ... apparently Hugh Jackman stayed there too. In Australia, I really like staying in the Sofitel, Melbourne. No matter what room you have, there's an amazing view and the beds are super comfortable. I always feel very calm there.
WHAT DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE WITH YOU?
When I was on my honeymoon recently, I took a fruity spray with me and now every time I smell it, I'm reminded of that holiday. I'm determined to take a different fragrance with me every time I go away. Kind of like a scent version of a photo album!
WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT HOLIDAY?
Good company and a really good book! I think you have to be really careful with your holiday read. It has to be something really light and fun.
WHAT'S YOUR BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE?
No matter who you're travelling with, and no matter how much you love them, after a few days you're going to get on one another's nerves. So, you really need to try to avoid fighting needlessly at all costs. You don't want to look back and remember a holiday filled with fights.
AND YOUR WORST EXPERIENCE ON HOLIDAY?
I guess just being delayed. My husband and I were delayed in JFK on the way back to Australia last year and it's not pleasant.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST PACKING MISTAKE YOU'VE MADE?
After Wicked finished its run in Australia it went to Singapore. Just before it opened the lead - who took over from me - got sick and I was called to go and open the season there. I had literally hours to pack and for some reason I packed all my shoes, and lots of cardigans. Why would I need cardigans in Singapore?
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO NEXT?
I'd love to go back to New York. I'd go right this second if I could. If I could I'd probably stop on the way at Hawaii - partly because I've always wanted to go but mostly because I remember the Brady Bunch episode that was shot there!
You can see Lucy in the current production of Wicked running at Sydney's Capitol Theatre. For tickets and more information see wickedthemusical.com.au
