Capturing the glamour and passion of the big band era, the Rat Pack in Vegas and the Golden Age of Hollywood, Melbourne’s summer musical, Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical has announced the full cast ahead of its season commencing in December at Arts Centre Melbourne.
An extraordinary story that goes far beyond the song, Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical reveals the amazing life of this 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.
Produced by John Frost and John and Barbara Gilbert of Gilbert Theatrical, Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical will be the first musical celebrating the return of the summer musical at Arts Centre Melbourne, following its world premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre late last year, with audiences falling in love with this new Australian hit.
David Campbell stars as Bobby Darin where he won audience and critical acclaim during the Sydney season. He is one of Australia’s most popular and versatile entertainers working in TV, radio, headlining theatre, cabaret and concert performances as well as being a multi-platinum recording artist.
David has achieved similar success on the international stage, most notably captivating New York with his award-winning cabaret show. In addition to his TV and radio hosting roles he is currently thrilling audiences at the Hayes Theatre starring as John Wilkes Booth in Assassins.
Returning to the role of Sandra Dee is Hannah Fredericksen – who recently starred as Olivia Newton-John in the hugely successful TV mini-series Molly, and on stage in the new Australian musical Ned, A New Australian Musical and the Green Room nominated production of City of Angels. Hannah is also currently starring in Hayes Theatre Co’s Assassins.
Joining the cast for the Melbourne season is Australian musical theatre royalty, Marina Prior. Most recently praised for her leading roles in The Production Company’s Hello Dolly and currently in MTC’s Hay Fever, Marina will play the dual roles of former showgirl Polly, Bobby Darin’s mother (who is revealed to be his grandmother), and the ambitious, cut throat Mary Douvan, Sandra Dee’s mother.
Martin Crewes will play Steve Blauner, Darin’s oldest friend, biggest fan and longtime manager. Crewes has performed leading roles in Australia, America, the UK and Asia, enjoying a successful career in film, theatre and television. His musical credits include GFO’s Doctor Zhivago and South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, Chess, Hair, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Aspects of Love, and Hayes Theatre Co’s award winning production of Sweet Charity, as well as their current production of Assassins.
Marney McQueen will play Nina, Darin’s sister (later revealed to be his actual mother), McQueen played Marion in the original cast of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical, the devious Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray the Musical and the evil Queen Zeena in Cat Stevens’ Moonshadow.
Fresh from the Australian tour of My Fair Lady, Rodney Dobson will play Charlie, the partner of Nina, a warm father figure to Darin. Dobson has also featured in Singin’ in the Rain and Les Misérables, as well as having starred in many Australian theatre productions including Wicked, Annie, Sunset Boulevard, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Moonshadow, Sweeney Todd, Buddy and South Pacific.
The incredible supporting cast includes: Danielle Barnes, Ian Bliss, Ella Burns, Jan Di Pietro, Stefanie Jones, Andrew Kroenert, Jess Lindon, Natasha Paramor, Thern Reynolds, Josh Robson, Suzanne Steele, Ellen Sutton, Riley Sutton, Jack Van Staveren, Drew Weston, and Deone Zanotto.
Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical is a big show with a big score and a big heart. Based on an original concept and stage play by Frank Howson and John-Michael Howson, and adapted for the stage by Frank Howson with Simon Phillips and Carolyn Burns, the show includes 34 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 plays in the State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne from 27 December 2017. For more information, visit: www.dreamlover.com.au for details.
Image: The full cast has been announced for Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical (supplied)