Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical completes a triumphant Sydney season

Dream Lover David Campbell - photo by Brian GeachThe curtain has fallen on the World Premiere season of Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical at the Sydney Lyric Theatre and producer John Frost is fielding offers for future productions, not only in Australia but internationally.

“After the phenomenal response to Dream Lover, we’ve been approached by theatre venues all over the country and are currently in discussions with venues about putting a tour together, perhaps late next year,” said John Frost, on behalf of his co-producers, John and Barbara Gilbert of Gilbert Theatrical. “We have also had interest from the US and other countries about remounting the show internationally.

“It has been so gratifying to see the audience response to Dream Lover, with standing ovations at every performance and universal five star reviews by audience members on social media. Almost 40% of ticket buyers came from outside Sydney indicating the appetite for the show Australia wide, and a staggering 29% of those audiences came from regional NSW. Dream Lover has proved to be a hit musical that was created by Australians in Australia. Thank you Sydney for taking Dream Lover to your heart.”

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.

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.

“With its big band, swinging tunes and stellar cast, Dream Lover promised to be a spectacular production and it certainly lived up to expectations, delighting audiences and receiving exceptional reviews,” said NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres.

“The NSW Government is proud of the role we have played in bringing this new Australian production to fruition and to have secured the world premiere season exclusively for Sydney. Musicals are a major motivator for travel and more than 29,000 overnight visitors came to Sydney to see Dream Lover, injecting an estimated $7.1 million in visitor expenditure.

“I congratulate John Frost and the entire production team, crew and remarkable cast led by David Campbell and Hannah Fredericksen, on the success of Dream Lover.”

Audiences and media have praised this wonderful production. The Sunday Telegraph said, “Turning in a phenomenal performance, (David) Campbell is the charismatic heart and anchor of Dream Lover … Simon Phillips’ slick direction keeps things moving seamlessly and he is well served by a terrific cast.” Broadwayworld.com said, “Australia…can rival anything Broadway or the West End can produce

Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical was secured for Sydney by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. For waitlist for future tour information, visit: www.dreamlover.com.au for details.

Image: David Campbell stars in Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical – photo by Brian Geach