Rehearsals Begin For DREAM LOVER: THE BOBBY DARIN MUSICAL

Rehearsals are now underway for the World Premiere production of Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical, which plays only in Sydney at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from 22 September for a strictly limited season.

David Campbell stars as the Grammy award-winning singer and Oscar nominated actor, Bobby Darin, opposite Caroline O'Connor in the dual roles of Darin's mother Polly and Sandra Dee's mother Mary, Hannah Fredericksen as Sandra Dee, Bert LaBonte as Charlie, Martin Crewes as Darin's longtime manager Steve Blauner, and Marney McQueen as Nina, Darin's sister (later revealed to be his real mother).

In ensemble and swing roles are Danielle Barnes, Justin Stewart Cotta, Xander Ellis, Matt Hamilton, Andrew Kroenert, Jessica Lindon, Tim Maddren, Phoebe Panaretos, Natasha Paramor, Joshua Robson, Michelle Smitheram, SuzAnne Steele, Ellen Sutton, Riley Sutton, Jack Van Staveren and Jayde Westaby, while Kyle Banfield, Nicholas Cradock and Brendan Godwin will alternate in the role of the young Bobby Darin.

John Frost, on behalf of his co-producers John and Barbara Gilbert of Gilbert Theatrical Pty Ltd, said, "Listening to the first read and sing through of the script reminded me what an amazing life Bobby Darin lived, and the exciting catalogue of songs he wrote and recorded. Simon Phillips has assembled an extraordinary cast for this wonderful World Premiere, led by David Campbell and Caroline O'Connor. With an 18-piece band on stage and the best creative team we could have hoped for, this brand new musical is set to be an unforgettable experience for audiences. I am extremely proud to be bringing Dream Lover to life, and I can't wait for opening night."

An extraordinary story that goes far beyond the song, Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical reveals the amazing life of the legendary American singer, songwriter and actor. An intimate and epic story of an all-round entertainer adored by his fans, Bobby Darin, together with his movie star wife Sandra Dee, provided the iconic soundtrack to a generation.

The musical captures the glamour and passion of the big band era, the Rat Pack in Vegas and the Golden Age of Hollywood, a time of trail-blazing stars, knock-out fashions and life-changing events. It is a big show with a big score and a big heart.

Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical, a true story stranger than fiction, is directed by Simon Phillips and written by Frank Howson and John-Michael Howson. The show includes great hits from the 50s and 60s including Mack The Knife, Beyond the Sea, Splish Splash and the multi-million-seller Dream Lover.

Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical was secured for Sydney by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. It is being staged at the Sydney Lyric Theatre for an exclusive limited season from 22 September.

For more info visit: www.dreamlover.com.au