After bringing countless characters to life, Ms Retallick is ready to take on the challenge of her next star role in musical theatre.  

Ms Retallick has landed the role of Diane Gray in the first Australian production of Come From Away. 

The musical tells the true story of the stranded passengers of 9/11, and the generosity and hospitality offered to them by the residents of Newfoundland.

Ms Retallick said she has a quirky little thought when singing the first number of the show Welcome To The Rock.

“There are passages in the song where the locals from Gander are referring to the harsh climate and sing 'We will not be killed. We will not be drowned. We will still go on',” she said.

“It reminds me of a sign I used to see every day in North Wagga which referred to the flooding that nearly wipes out their neighbourhood every ten years or so which says 'We shall not be moved'.

“I definitely know what it's like to come from a country town and to band together when people need help.” 

Ms Retallick grew up in Wagga while her father, John Retallick, was based at Kapooka. 

“I went to Henschke Public School, where my mother taught a very long 40 years as a school teacher,” she said.

“Then to Mount Erin then Trinity Senior. 

“I was always a musical child and my first public performance was in Grade 2 and that was singing A few of my Favourite Things from the Sound of Music.” 

Ms Retallick said there’s a blessing in there being a country kid.

“I had so much space because I wasn’t bombarded,” she said. 

“I worked with Louise Blackett, had singing and dancing lessons, was involved with SOACT and I found there were many exciting avenues.”  

Ms Retallick said performing in Melbourne for Come From Away provides challenges she is looking forward to. 

“My character has a real-life love story and she is a Texan woman so will have that accent,” she said. 

“With a smaller cast, it feels grittier because you’re relying on muscles of actors to turn on a dime and create something out of nothing rather than relying on a big production. 

“It’s also 100 minutes straight through without a break.” 

Ms Retallick said because the musical is based on a true story there is a definite element of responsibility.

“You have an extra bond that you have to respect and honour and it’s a very special relationship,” she said. 

Come From Away will premiere in Melbourne at the Comedy Theatre in July 2019, produced by Rodney Rigby and Junkyard Dog Productions.

Ms Retallick said she hopes to see some Wagga faces in the crowd. 

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