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Published: April 8th 2009
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STEPHEN FISHER-KING
We first met Stephen in 2003 on the Seven Seas Mariner paddle tennis court. He was very athletic and played a strong game. We had no idea that we were playing with one of the top stage performers in all of Australasia.
Our formal introduction to him was at our 30th anniversary party, April 7, 2003. Susan and I had a table for 6 friends in La Veranda Restaurant. Stephen and Amy Baker serenaded us with the love duet from Phantom of the Opera---“All I Ask of You.” Now THAT was special!
Over the years we’ve enjoyed this dynamic young man in concert on the Mariner and most recently, the Voyager. Stephen is a favorite of ours, both on the tennis court and in the Constellation Theater. His rich baritone is perfect for the Broadway songs that Susan and I love. He can also shift up a gear and tackle the most difficult arias in the classical field. It’s his ability to sing in both genres that makes him so appealing.
When not touring Australia or on cruise ships, he keeps busy back home with his wife Lindsay and four children---two boys and two girls. After we
Ilse, Stephen, Susan
On the Voyager bow for "Sundowners" played three sets of tennis in the hot and humid Arabian Sea, I asked him for an interview. Not only did he provide me with the interview, but in addition three hours later he knocked the audience dead in a free wheeling after-dinner concert. We sat on his balcony and sipped Perrier as I asked him about his interesting lifestyle.
Kevin: What’s the toughest part of your job?
Stephen: The separation from my family. It’s difficult to maintain a consistency with the kids. When I get home there’s a different energy. For instance, I spoke with my wife Lindsay today and she said the kids didn’t want to go to bed last night. They never act like that when I’m home.
K: How do you interact with your family when you’re home?
S: Lindsay is very sporty. We like to play sports together. Tennis or mountain bike riding are favorites. And I’m involved in the kids’ lives---coaching soccer, taking them to music lessons, dancing and the gym.
When I need a break I’ll go out for a four hour bike ride and come back totally trashed.
K: What is your working life like at home?
S: I
EVITA
Che Guevara---His favorite role. spend a lot of time on the phone and emailing, just setting up the gigs is a big job. Not so much on ships, but when I tour Australia I’ve got to arrange backup musicians, dancers, set people---you know what it takes. I’m on the road almost 13 weeks a year. I like to take my family whenever it’s possible. They’ve been with me to Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and the Caribbean. What a thrill it was to surf Hawaii with my nine-year old son Billy last year!
K: Do you get any help?
S: Lindsay. She’s invaluable to me. And she’s the biggest supporter of my career.
K: Where do you live?
S: In the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. But we recently bought a beach house in Wombarra, south of Sydney. We really enjoy the water and surfing. Our property backs up on a rain forest. And my folks live close by so they’ll get more time with their grandchildren.
K: Any siblings?
S: An older brother, David Fisher. He played professional Australia rules football for North Melbourne. He was quite good.
K: What does your vocal training consist of?
S: Daily singing exercises. Breathing…sustained
Stephen and Elda
Elda is the Asst. Cruise Director from Italy notes…scales…arpeggios.
Focusing my breath in the right area. It’s like a squeeze box, as it fills with air you have to control the breath and sound. That and learning new material. Memorizing and adapting to foreign languages. It all takes time and discipline.
K: You’ve got a lot of energy, as I’ve experienced it first hand on the tennis court. Plus you have a very positive attitude.
S: Thank you! I feel I’m blessed.
K: Tell me, who’s your favorite classical artist?
S: Mario Lanza.
K: Modern?
S: Elvis!
K: Your favorite role?
S: Che Guevara in “EVITA.”
K: Favorite musical?
S: “Les Miserables”----I love to sing Jean Valjean’s “Bring Him Home.”
It’s very emotional.
K: What’s a favorite memory?
S: I have two. Touring Australasia with Sarah Brightman in “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.” We had rave reviews. And back in 1995 I worked with Peter Allen on one of his last tours. I was still a student and performed in front of 10,000 people. Peter was a lovely man.
K: What’s the toughest part of performing at sea?
S: On a ship you don’t have control over many aspects of
MY FAIR LADY
"On the street where you live..." your work. You’ve just come off of a long flight---your head’s stuffed up---but you’ve got to perform. Air conditioning, a new band, lack of sleep….but the show must go on. On land you control your show better.
K: Then what’s the best part of performing at sea?
S: Playing tennis with you and Susan.
K: Thank you, Stephen! See you on the court!
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