Gerry Connolly to continue as Captain of the S.S. American

AG_Gerry Connelly_Jeff Busby editorialJust as Anything Goes is about to open in Brisbane, it has been announced that Gerry Connolly will continue on to play the Captain of the S.S. American at the Sydney Opera House in September. Due to his ongoing radio and television commitments, Alan Jones has had to withdraw from the role.

Perhaps best known for his satirical caricatures of public figures such as Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Margaret Thatcher, Joh Bjelke-Peterson, Bob Hawke, Paul Keating and Dame Joan Sutherland amongst many others, Gerry Connolly has a long list of theatre, film and television credits to his name.

Connolly’s successful career in the theatre has included roles with Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company and Belvoir, and most recently as Marcus Lycus opposite Geoffrey Rush in John Frost’s production of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum.

“We’re thrilled that Gerry Connolly is able to continue aboard the S.S. American for the Sydney season of Anything Goes,” said John Frost and Lyndon Terracini. “Whilst it’s disappointing that Alan Jones is not available to play the Captain, we’re delighted that Gerry has agreed to remain as part of the original cast.”

Connolly plays opposite Caroline O’Connor as evangelist turned nightclub singer Reno Sweeney; Todd McKenney as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh; Alex Rathgeber as young Wall Street broker Billy Crocker; Claire Lyon will be American debutante Hope Harcourt; Carmen Duncan in her musical theatre debut as Evangeline Harcourt; Wayne Scott Kermond as second-rate gangster Moonface Martin; Debora Krizak as Moonface’s girlfriend Erma; and Bartholomew John as Wall Street banker Elisha J. Whitney.

Anything Goes opens this week at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre, before docking at the Sydney Opera House from 5 September. For more information, visit: www.anythinggoesmusical.com.au for details.

Image: Gerry Connolly as the Captain with Wayne Scott Kermond as Moonface Martin in Anything Goes – photo by Jeff Busby