Praise be! One of Australia’s most-loved musical theatre stars, Rhonda Burchmore, has been confirmed to join Casey Donovan and Genevieve Lemon in the most heavenly of musicals, Sister Act.
Rhonda will star as Sister Mary Lazarus in the Australian premiere of Sister Act when it opens at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney from August and the Regent Theatre in Melbourne from November.
“Rhonda Burchmore is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most versatile, funny and entertaining performers, so becoming Sister Mary Lazarus will be a hilarious sight to behold. She is a joyful addition to the cast of Sister Act and I am thrilled she has agreed to get into the habit,” said producer John Frost.
Rhonda’s favourite stage credits range from Hairspray to Hot Shoe Shuffle and include Mamma Mia, The Drowsy Chaperone, Mame and numerous others. Rhonda performed on the West End in Sugar Babies featuring Mickey Rooney and Ann Miller and Stop The World I Want To Get Off with Anthony Newley.
Her screen credits include I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, a lead recurring role in Channel Seven’s sitcom Fam Time, Hey Hey It’s Saturday, The Don Lane Show, The Midday Show, GMA with Bert Newton, Spicks and Specks, Carols in the Domain and Carols by Candlelight.
She has also appeared as a guest on Kath & Kim and Nine Network’s Love Child. Rhonda made her film debut in the role of Kate in The Pirate Movie and more recently as Cheryl in The Wedding Party. Rhonda has recorded five albums including last year’s topical release, A Red Hot Swingin’ Christmas with ABC Records.
Based on the iconic film starring Whoopi Goldberg and featuring original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® award-winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted, The Little Mermaid), and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this heavenly musical is joyous and uplifting in equal measures.
Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent! Encouraged to help the struggling choir, she helps her fellow sisters find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.
A musical sent from above, Sister Act is the brilliant, must-see show which raises the spirits and warms the soul time after time. Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as a total of six Olivier Award nominations across the original West End season and the London revival season. Sister Act also made a triumphant return to London’s West End in March 2024.
Further casting announcements will be made in the coming months.
Sister Act plays the Capitol Theatre, Sydney from August and the Regent Theatre, Melbourne from November 2024. For further information, visit: www.sisteractthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Rhonda Burchmore as Sister Mary Lazarus – photo by Benny Capp