The producers of Billy Elliot the Musical have today confirmed that unfortunately due to personal circumstances Kelley Abbey is unable to continue in her role as Mrs Wilkinson and has had to withdraw from the production.
“We are very sad to see Kelley leave our production. We wish her all the best moving forward,” said Louise Withers on behalf of the producers.
“We have such outstanding talent in this cast and we are very pleased to announce that Lisa Sontag will be taking over in the role of Mrs Wilkinson having played the role for a number of performances during this Sydney season to date. She has been a key member of the cast and we look forward to seeing her flourish on stage,” Withers continued.
Lisa Sontag (pictured) made her professional debut in the original cast of The Boy From Oz before graduating from WAAPA. Continuing her professional career, she went on to work with the Production Company in Call Me Madam, Guys and Dolls, The Boy From Oz and as Zelda Zanders in Singin’ in the Rain.
Most recently, Lisa performed in and understudied multiple lead roles in MAMMA MIA! The Musical, The Producers, Hayes Theatre’s Sweet Charity, Mary Poppins, Les Misérables, The Addams Family, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and played the role of Frenchy in Grease – The Arena Spectacular for which she won a Green Room Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Amongst other film and TV work Lisa is an accomplished dance teacher and choreographer also running her own Music and Movement Programs for Preschools.
The 10th Anniversary Australian tour is currently playing at Sydney Lyric Theatre until Sunday 15 December 2019, followed by seasons in Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. For more information, visit: www.billyelliotthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Lisa Sontag (supplied)