Producers of the global musical phenomenon, MAMMA MIA! have announced their Cast ahead of its Australian tour commencing in Canberra in November, before touring to Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Set on a Greek island paradise and inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, writer Catherine Johnson’s heart-warming tale centres around a young bride-to-be. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.
“MAMMA MIA! is exactly what we all need – an uplifting, fun-filled, heartfelt night at the theatre which puts a smile on your face and a spring in your step, says Producer, Louise Withers. “The timeless tracks of ABBA never fail to bring joy to audiences across the world and we are delighted to be producing MAMMA MIA! once again across Australia. We are also thrilled with the incredibly talented creative team and cast we have assembled to bring this story and these songs to life on stage night after night.”
Starring in this brand new Australian production as mother-of-the-bride Donna Sheridan is Natalie O’Donnell. Natalie began her acting career in 1998 with her professional debut in the Australian production of Les Misérables. Since then she has sustained a remarkable career in theatre, television and film across the world.
She has starred in many musicals including most recently in Australia in Jerry’s Girls, Songs for a New World and Next to Normal. Most poignantly Natalie starred in the original Australian production of MAMMA MIA! as Sophie in 2001. It will be very special to see her come full circle now leading this new production in the role of Donna.
In the role of Donna’s daughter and bride-to-be Sophie, is emerging young Australian actor Sarah Morrison. Sarah has just completed a sell-out national tour in the Australian musical Ladies in Black starring in the lead role of Lisa. This was Sarah’s breakthrough role gaining critical acclaim and adoration by audiences alike proving her star is certainly on the rise. Sarah began her career as a member of the Children’s Chorus with Opera Queensland before graduating from Ballarat Arts Academy.
Starring as Donna’s vivacious and loyal friend Rosie is Alicia Gardiner who has extensive career highlights in theatre, television and film and is best known to Australian audiences for her role as nurse Kim Akerholt in the award-winning series Offspring. In another nostalgic twist, Alicia also played alongside Natalie O’Donnell in the original Australian season of MAMMA MIA!
Jayde Westaby joins the Dynamo trio in the role of much-married friend Tanya. Jayde, originally from the UK, has enjoyed a career on London’s West End appearing in The Rocky Horror Show, Chicago, Sweet Charity, Jersey Boys and Grease amongst others. Most recently in Australia she was part of the world premiere season of Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical.
Award winning actor Ian Stenlake stars as Sam Carmichael, one of Sophie’s unsuspecting father’s. Ian has sustained an extensive television career over the years, including starring roles in the Nine Network’s Sea Patrol for 5 seasons as Lieutenant Commander Mike Flynn, furthermore in Stingers, Murder Call and Dance Academy. He has also continued a vast theatre career appearing in shows such as Cabaret, Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma and most recently Around the World in 80 Days.
Stage and screen actor Phillip Lowe plays Harry Bright another man from Donna’s past who could be Sophie’s father. Phillip has appeared in many theatre productions including Crazy for You, Cabaret, Mary Poppins, High Society and recently starred in Georgy Girl – The Seekers Musical portraying Seeker Keith Potger.
Josef Ber, acclaimed theatre and screen actor plays Bill Austin the third potential father in the light-hearted story. Josef has appeared in many and varied theatre, television and film productions including Ned, Rush and Redfern Now. Sophie’s adoring fiancé Sky is played by Stephen Mahy whose career spans roles in musical theatre productions such as Miss Saigon, Jersey Boys, Grease, and the most recent Australian production of The Rocky Horror Show playing Brad.
In addition, Monique Sallé plays the role of Ali, Jessica Di Costa (White) as Lisa, Sam Hooper as Pepper and Alex Gibson-Giorgio plays Eddie alongside an incredible supporting cast Stephen Anderson, Jadie Bastow, Dion Bilios, Du Toit Bredenkamp, Annie Chiswell, Matt Edwards, Josh Gates, Catty Hamilton, Matthew Hamilton, Emma Hawthorne, Zoe Komazec, Sarah Kate Landy, Courtney Monsma, Clay Roberts, Leigh Sleightholme, Thalia Smith, Lisa Sontag and Zachary Webster.
The Australian production will be Directed by Helpmann Award winner Gary Young, with the creative team also including Choreographer Tom Hodgson, Musical Supervisor Stephen Amos, Set Design by Linda Bewick, Costume Design by Suzy Strout and Lighting Design by Gavan Swift. It is produced in Australia by Michael Coppel, Louise Withers & Linda Bewick.
MAMMA MIA! will commence its Australian tour at the Canberra Theatre Centre on 24 November 24 2017, and will be then play Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre (QPAC) from 26 December, Sydney’s Capitol Theatre from 11 February 2018, Crown Theatre Perth from 15 May, Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from 10 July, and the Adelaide Festival Centre from 9 October.
Tickets are currently on sale for the Canberra season and Brisbane tickets will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday 24 May 2017. Tickets will go on sale for other venues shortly – waitlist now! For more information, visit: www.mammamiathemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Natalie O’Donnell, Sarah Morrison, Alicia Gardiner, Jayde Westaby, Ian Stenlake, Phillip LOwe, Joseph Ber and Stephen Mahy star in MAMMA MIA! (supplied)