Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical the highest ever selling show at Arts Centre Melbourne

Dream Lover David Campbell Hannah Fredericksen - Photo by Brian GeachMelbourne’s summer musical Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical, has become the highest selling show ever staged at Arts Centre Melbourne.

The Australian made production has enjoyed audience and critical acclaim since opening in December and is now in its final 2 weeks of performances. David Campbell has thrilled in his portrayal of Bobby Darin with an 18-piece big band live on stage and a full cast of extraordinary performers, this show is truly not to be missed!

“The summer musical at the State Theatre is back, big time! An incredible home-grown show, and an incredible audience response,” said Claire Spencer, CEO, Arts Centre Melbourne. “So proud that this Australian production has smashed the all-time record for show ticket sales at Arts Centre Melbourne. Come see what all the fuss is about before time runs out!”

Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical explores the extraordinary story of the Grammy award-winning singer and Oscar nominated actor, Bobby Darin. Produced by John Frost and John and Barbara Gilbert of Gilbert Theatrical, it is the first musical celebrating the return of the summer musical at Arts Centre Melbourne.

David Campbell stars as Bobby Darin where he won audience and critical acclaim during the Sydney season and now again in Melbourne. Australian musical theatre royalty, Marina Prior plays 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.

Hannah Fredericksen plays the role of Sandra Dee, while Martin Crewes plays Steve Blauner, Darin’s oldest friend, biggest fan and longtime manager. In the role of Nina, Darin’s sister (later revealed to be his actual mother), is Marney McQueen and Rodney Dobson plays Charlie, the partner of Nina, a warm father figure to Darin.

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, Deone Zanotto. The musical also introduced the four talented boys who share the dual role of Young Bobby Darin/Dodd Darin, Amon Prete, Hudson Sharp, Oscar Mulcahy and Lachlan Young.

“We could not be any prouder that Dream Lover has now broken the record at Arts Centre Melbourne for most ticket sales.,” said John Frost, on behalf of his co-producers John and Barbara Gilbert.This is a testament to an amazing show, an incredible cast, crew and entire team. We are thrilled that Melbourne has embraced this production.”

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.

The musical captures the glamour and passion of the big band era, the Rat Pack in Vegas and the Golden Age of Hollywood – a time of trail-blazing stars, knockout fashions and life-changing events and includes. 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 the State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne and must close on 4 March 2018 – with no further extension possible. For more information, visit: www.dreamlover.com.au for details.

Image: Hannah Fredericksen and David Campbell star in Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical – Photo by Brian Geach