Nathan David Ace Interview – The Village People Experience
With big vocals, bigger costumes and enough disco energy to light up a city block, The Village People Experience is bringing the 70s back to life — and leading the charge is Nathan David Ace as the iconic Construction Worker. We caught up with Nathan to talk nostalgia, choreography, cast chemistry and why audiences can’t resist getting up for the Y.M.C.A.
You’re stepping into one of the most iconic roles in disco history — The Construction Worker. What’s it like bringing such a legendary character to life on stage every night?
It’s a real privilege to bring such an iconic role to life. The Village People are so well known that I feel a responsibility to honour the character properly. What I love most is the blend of strength and playfulness — he represents masculinity, but in a theatrical, fun, larger‑than‑life way. It’s not just about putting on the costume; it’s about embodying the confidence, charisma and humour that made the role so memorable.
The Village People Experience captures the energy, colour and spirit of the 1970s. What part of that era do you personally connect with the most?
For me, it’s the fearless self‑expression. The bold fashion, the individuality, the freedom people felt on the dance floor — it created a space where everyone could be themselves. Many people look back on that time as a simpler, more carefree era, and this show lets them relive those memories. Disco brought people together from all walks of life, and that sense of joy and unity is something I love recreating on stage.
The show features a huge lineup of hits — from “YMCA” and “Macho Man” to “Disco Inferno” and “Car Wash.” Do you have a favourite number to perform?
That’s almost like choosing a favourite child! But if I had to pick, I’d say “Milkshake” from Can’t Stop the Music. It’s upbeat, fun and really captures the essence of what The Village People are all about.
The production promises big vocals, flamboyant costumes and high‑energy choreography. What’s the most challenging part of performing in a show this demanding?
Preparation is everything. A show like this requires discipline — sticking to a strict rehearsal schedule, maintaining a solid diet and exercise routine, and getting plenty of rest. Balancing all of that can be challenging, but it’s absolutely worth it when we hit the stage.
You’re touring Australia with performers from Broadway and the U.S. What has the chemistry been like within the group?
We’re incredibly lucky — the cast and crew are fantastic. Everyone is a true professional, and we genuinely enjoy what we do. Having worked with Jally Entertainment for over 20 years, I really appreciate the standard they uphold. There’s no room for ego in a production like this.
I’ve learned so much from the others: Sage, our Native American, is an incredible dancer; Matt, our Cowboy, has an unbelievable vocal range; and having Broadway royalty like James Harkness as The Admiral elevates the entire show. Working with such talented people means we can each give our best while supporting one another as a team.
Audiences are encouraged to get up, dance and relive the disco era. What’s the most memorable crowd reaction you’ve seen so far?
I love seeing someone who starts the show a little hesitant, maybe unsure about letting loose — and then, as the night goes on, they realise everyone is just there to have fun. Suddenly they’re up doing the Y.M.C.A. or even getting out of their seat to boogie with the rest of us. When we’re having fun on stage, it gives the audience permission to do the same, and those moments are always special.
The Village People Experience blends nostalgia with modern performance flair. How do you balance honouring the original group while keeping the show fresh?
We stay true to the original message of celebration and fun while being respectful and authentic. We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel — we’re capturing the spirit of why people fell in love with the music in the first place. At the same time, we add our own modern flair through vocals, choreography and production. If the audience leaves uplifted and smiling, we know we’ve struck the right balance.
And finally — even Donald Trump has famously used Village People songs at his events. Do you think he’d survive one night dancing with your cast on stage, or would the YMCA arm moves finish him off?
What a great question! I think everyone has it in them to enjoy the music and dance the night away. I’m sure he could manage the Y.M.C.A., but surviving a full night on stage with us? Hard to say… with the right training and rehearsal, anything’s possible. Maybe we’ll have to invite him along as an understudy and put him through his paces!
The Village People Experience
TAKE ME BACK TO THE 70’S!
Witness the excitement and pumped-up energy of the 1970’s with the electrifying ‘Village People Experience’.
This dazzling tribute features a live band, sensational performers in flamboyant costumes, while capturing the true essence of the ultimate Village People performance!
Led by the incomparable James Harkness, direct from Broadway, plus a super-talented cast, this dynamic show promises to take you on an unforgettable nostalgic journey back in time, to the glittering era of afro hairstyles, platform shoes, bell-bottoms, roller-skates, mega-bling, and the best music of a generation – the fabulous 1970’s!
With a massive cult-following of global hits, such as ‘YMCA’, ‘Macho Man’, ‘In The Navy’, ‘Go West’ and ‘Can’t Stop the Music’ – these iconic tunes are just the beginning!
‘The Village People Experience’ song list includes a wide selection of all your favourite Disco hits from the day, including…‘Car Wash’, ‘Disco Inferno’, ‘The Hustle’ , ‘Get Up and Boogie’, ‘Shake Your Groove Thing’, ‘I will Survive’ plus so much more!
Featuring legendary favourites, ‘Construction Worker’, ‘The Admiral’, ‘ Cowboy’, ‘Leather Man’, and ‘American Indian’.
‘The Village People Experience’ will entertain from start to finish! This is the ultimate tribute to the most iconic group of the disco- loving 70’s.
‘The Village People Experience’ is guaranteed to get the crowd amped from the outset, with outstanding vocals, incredible choreography, and a few little surprises along the way!
The audience will soon be on their feet, doing the Y.M.C.A and singing along as they boogie the night away, transported back to an era of carefree times and emotional connections to the sensational sounds of the 70’s.
Do yourself a favour and book now!
The Village People Experience includes from the U.S.A and Broadway – James Harkness (Admiral), Nathan David Ace (Construction Worker), Matthew Leigh (Cowboy), Brian Kendrick (Leatherman) and Sage Del Carmen (Indian).
Song list includes
San Francisco
Macho Man
Y.M.C.A.
In the Navy
Go West
Can’t Stop the Music
Milkshake
Magic Night
Disco Inferno
Car Wash
Boogie Shoes
Shake your Booty
Boogie Wonderland
You Should Be Dancing
Hot Stuff
Last Dance
THE VILLAGE PEOPLE EXPERIENCE – MARCH 2026 AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Friday 6th March, 2026 – ETTALONG DIGGERS SHOWROOM, ETTALONG BEACH NSW – 8.30pm – Bookings: (02) 4343 0111
Saturday 7th March, 2026 – EVAN THEATRE PENRITH PANTHERS NSW – 8.00pm – Bookings: 1800 061 991
Sunday 8th March, 2026 – MOUNTIES, MOUNT PRITCHARD NSW – 4.00pm – Bookings: (02) 9822 3555
Friday 13th March, 2026 – TWIN TOWNS CLUBS & RESORTS SHOWROOM, TWEED HEADS NSW – 8.00pm – Bookings: 1800 014 014
Saturday 14th March, 2026 – BALLINA RSL AUDITORIUM, BALLINA NSW – 7.30pm – Bookings: (02) 6681 9500
Sunday 15th March, 2026 – REDCLIFFE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE QLD – 2.30pm – Bookings: (07) 3480 6280
Wednesday 18th March, 2026 – THE EVENTS CENTRE, CALOUNDRA QLD – 7.30pm – Bookings: (07) 5491 4240
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