PHOTOS: BWW Sydney Gets A Glimpse Of GHOST THE MUSICAL Rehearsals
By: Jade Kops Dec. 15, 2015
Tuesday 15th December 2015, Theatre Royal Sydney
GHOST THE MUSICAL brings the hit 1990 romantic movie that made pottery sexy to Australian stages. Given that the book and lyrics of the musical are written by Academy Award Winner Bruce Joel Rubin, writer of the original movie, the heart and soul of the love story that crosses the boundaries of the living and the dead remains intact and is enhanced by original music and lyrics from Grammy Award winners Dave Stewart (half of the Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror and Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill).
The Australian Tour of GHOST THE MUSICAL sees WICKED alums Rob Mills and Jemma Rix reunite in the lead roles of 'Sam Wheat' and 'Molly Jensen'. Alex Rathgeber, fresh from his Helpmann Award winning performance in ANYTHING GOES, will take on the role of Sam's colleague 'Carl Bruner'. British stage and small screen actress Wendy Mae Brown completes the lead cast as 'Oda Mae Brown', the questionable mystic made famous by Whoopi Goldberg.
As with the UK and US productions, the Australian production is also under the direction of Tony Award winning director Matthew Warchus and Australian born choreographer Ashley Wallen. Warchus is also known for being the director of MATILDA THE MUSICAL and Wallen is recognized for being Kylie Minogue's personal choreographer.
Australian audiences will also be treated to the special effects developed specially for GHOST THE MUSICAL. An array of illusions including ghosts walking through doors, inanimate objects coming to life, spirits ascending, subway passengers being thrown in the air and mysterious disappearances and reappearances are set to enthral audiences.
For those that are unfamiliar with the story, GHOST THE MUSICAL is set in contemporary New York City but remains a timeless fantasy about the power of love to transcend the limits of life. Sam, a banker, and Molly, an artist, are mugged on the way home to their new apartment after a romantic dinner and Sam is fatally wounded. Sam, who ends up in limbo between the living and the dead, discovers that Molly is in grave danger and he needs to protect her. He makes contact with storefront psychic Oda Mae, despite her reputation as a charlatan, and enlists her help as a medium to save Molly.
The Australian cast is rounded out with Ross Chisari as Willie Lopez, Lydia Warr as Louise, Evette Marie White as Clara and David Denis as the Subway Ghost, all supported by the ensemble of Blake Appelqvist, Nicholas Eaton, Xander Ellis, Simon Fairweather, Samantha Hagen, Chidi Mbakwe, Joshua Mulheran, Justine Puy, Elenoa Rokobaro, Monique Salle and Drew Weston.
The teaser of three scenes including The Righteous Brother's iconic Unchained Melody shows that GHOST THE MUSICAL is going to be a heart-warming production infused with Mills' cheeky charm, Rix's pure voice, Rathgeber's intensity and Brown's comedic take on Oda Mae Brown.
GHOST THE MUSICAL Premiered in Manchester in 2011 before transferring to the West End and later Broadway. It has been enjoyed by over a million people worldwide and nominated for numerous awards including five Olivier Awards and three Tony Awards.
"A guilty pleasure. Terrific illusions, thrilling hi-tech designs and real heart, humour and suspense" Daily Telegraph, UK
"Ghost has wit and heart and can really, properly dazzle." The Times, UK
"Gasp-inducing ingenuity and technical wizardry make Ghost the Musical and unearthly hit.´ Evening Standard, UK
"A production of spectacular visual dynamism. Brilliant visuals and special effects. Seamlessly inventive." Independent, UK
"A stunning visual specticle. This is a musical in which the eyes empathically have it.´ The Guardian, UK
ADELAIDE
Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
From Thursday 7th January 2016
Bookings: BASS 131 246 or www.bass.net.au
MELBOURNE
Regent Theatre
From Friday 5th February 2016
Bookings: Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au
SYDNEY
Theatre Royal
From Friday 18 March 2016
Bookings: Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au
PERTH
Crown Theatre
From Saturday 21st May 2016
Bookings: Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au
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