David Campbell is set to return to the musical theatre stage for the lead role in the World Premiere production of Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in September 2016.
An extraordinary story that goes far beyond the song, Dream Lover reveals the amazing life of the 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.
Considered one of Australia’s most popular and versatile entertainers and winner of three Helpmann Awards, the multi-talented David Campbell is the perfect choice to star as Bobby Darin. Campbell has starred on stage as Johnny O’Keefe in the musical Shout!, as Marius in the 10th Anniversary production of Les Misérables, and in Carousel, Sunset Boulevard and Company amongst others. He is also one of the popular hosts of the national Today Extra program for the Nine Network, and presents his own top rating weekend afternoon show on Smooth FM.
Hannah Fredericksen most recently starred as Olivia Newton-John in the hugely successful TV mini-series Molly, and on stage in the Green Room nominated production of City of Angels, and NED – A New Australian Musical.
Written by Frank Howson (writer of award-winning films such as Boulevard of Broken Dreams and What the Moon Saw) and John-Michael Howson (co-writer of Shout! The Legend of the Wild One and Dusty – The Original Pop Diva), 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.
Frank Howson and John-Michael Howson are thrilled their show is coming to fruition. “It has taken nine years of painstaking research and development both here and in the US to get to the heart of this inspiring story of Bobby Darin, who risked it all, every day of his life, to achieve his dream of being one of the greatest entertainers the world has seen,” they said.
“He also found the love of his life in Hollywood movie star Sandra Dee. Their marriage is one of the great love stories and the stuff of dreams. As the writers and originators of this show we are honoured that our work will be brought to life by three men who are internationally acclaimed in their respective fields – producer John Frost, director Simon Phillips and David Campbell as the star.”
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, knock-out fashions and life-changing events. Featuring a sensational cast and an 18-piece band, Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical is a big show with a big score and a big heart.
“We are extremely excited about Dream Lover,” said John Frost, on behalf of his co-producers John and Barbara Gilbert of Gilbert Theatrical Pty Ltd. “It is a fascinating story about the Grammy award-winning singer and Oscar nominated actor, and features an incredible selection of hit songs from the 1960s.”
“Who better to fill the shoes of Bobby Darin than David Campbell, a sensational performer who is genuinely a big fan of Darin and has previously recorded some of his songs. With Simon Phillips at the helm and an incredible cast and creative team, this brand new musical is set to provide audiences with an unforgettable experience.”
Simon Phillips (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical, Love Never Dies, Ladies in Black) has assembled a dream Australian creative team including: Brian Thomson – set designer; Guy Simpson – musical supervisor; Andrew Hallsworth – choreographer; Tim Chappel – costume designer; Michael Waters – sound designer; and Daniel Edmonds – musical director.
Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical will be staged at the Sydney Lyric Theatre for an exclusive limited season from 30 September. Tickets on sale from 7 April 2016. For more information, visit: www.dreamlover.com.au for details.
Image: Hannah Fredericksen and David Campbell in Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical – photo by Brian Geach