Producers Howard Panter and John Frost have announced a fresh, exciting and talented cast of Australia’s best musical theatre performers for the 2014 Australian tour of The Rocky Horror Show.
Joining previously announced television and theatre star Craig McLachlan in the coveted role of Frank N Furter, and playing the roles of Janet and Brad, the naïve young couple caught up in a situation they don’t understand, will be musical theatre favourites Christie Whelan Browne (A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Shane Warne The Musical) and Tim Maddren (Hi 5, The Addams Family).
Reprising his role as Riff Raff, Frank’s loyal handyman, which he played in New Zealand and the UK will be Kristian Lavercombe, while his sister Magenta will be played by Erika Heynatz, who was nominated for a Helpmann Award for her debut musical theatre role in Legally Blonde.
Columbia, the groupie in Frank’s entourage, will be played by Ashlea Pyke (Legally Blonde), and Eddie and Dr Scott will be Nicholas Christo (My Fair Lady). In his first leading role as Frank’s creation Rocky will be Brendan Irving (An Officer and a Gentleman).
The Phantoms will be played by Vincent Hooper (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Luigi Lucente (Wicked), Meghan O’Shea (A Chorus Line) and Angela Scundi (Spring Awakening), while the Swing/Dance Captain will be James Maxfield (A Chorus Line).
“We are thrilled to have found the perfect cast for the 40th Anniversary Australian tour of this much loved iconic musical,” said John Frost and Howard Panter.
“There is no one who can play the character of Frank N Furter like Craig McLachlan. He oozes that risqué charm that an actor playing Frank needs, as well as bucket loads of sex appeal.”
“And after an extensive audition process we have secured a group of exciting musical theatre talents to complete the cast. We know audiences are going to love doing the Time Warp with this wonderful cast again.”
The Rocky Horror Show opens in January 2014 at Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre (QPAC), followed by seasons at the Crown Theatre, Perth in February, the Festival Theatre, Adelaide in March, and the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne in April.
For more information, visit: www.rockyhorrormusical.com.au for details.
Image: supplied
