And now here's an update on the Musical Theatre situation in Australia.
Legally Blonde
The casting process for the new Australian Legally Blonde continues.
In news that will shock some readers, frontrunners Christie Whelan and Amy Lehpalmer are no longer in contention. Producers felt both girls were physically not right for the role, with both girls very tall. Still in contention is Lucy Durack, Christy Sullivan from Next to Normal, Teagan Wouters from High School Musical and Jersey Boys and several recent WAAPA graduates.
Several fairly well-known theatre names are in contention for supporting and ensemble positions, including Queenie Van de Zandt, David Harris, Rodney Dobson, Rob Mills, Josh Piterman and Chloe Dallimore. Rob Guest Endowment finalist from 2010 Bree Langridge is the current favourite to play Brooke Wyndham.
Love Never Dies
Love Never Dies is preparing to open, with previews starting on Saturday evening, for an official opening night the week after on the 28th. Andrew Lloyd Webber is in town to oversee final rehearsals and will be attending the Opening Night. The Melbourne season is expected to last 6-8 months.
King Kong
A workshop of King Kong the musical is presently auditioning. Auditionees for the lead role of Anne are expected to prepare Don't Rain on My Parade and Blue Moon, as well as songs of their choice. Workshops will begin in July in Sydney. The central character, a giant Gorilla, will be played by a giant puppet, which is under construction in Melbourne's Docklands.
Les Miserables
The 25th anniversary tour of Australia has been postponed, with producers and casting directors citing theatre availability problems. Initial plans were for an April 2012 production, but this doesn’t look like happening.
Pre-casting for several leads looks to be quietly under way, with producers interested in Jaz Flowers to play Eponie. This version will be the 25th anniversary version that recently played in London's Barbican theatre and is a slightly cut down version, removing some of Thenardier's parts.
Expect to see this one later in 2012.
Addams Family
An announcement of a production of The Addams Family to be made tomorrow morning (Thursday) at Sydney's Capitol theatre. The season will open in 2013.
Next to Normal
Next to Normal at MTC is doing very well, with it's season extending until the 4th of June. However there are no understudies for the production, which has seen most performers struggle with a bout of laryngitis. Director Dean Bryant had to perform one and a half performances as Gabe, Act 2 of May 12th and all of May 13th's shows.
Annie
Annie has been confirmed for the Star City in Sydney for the start of 2012. Auditions are to be held across the country this month, but Anthony Warlow and Todd McKenny are strongly rumoured to have already been cast.
Strange Bedfellows
Strange Bedfellows the musical is set to have a Melbourne season, with many of the ensemble roles being recast for Melbourne-based performers. The leads will however stay the same. The show will have a two-week season at the Princess theatre in October.
Mary Poppins
And finally Mary Poppins will be at Sydney's Capitol Theatre until September at the very earliest, but most likely the end of the year to make way for Love Never Dies.
Thanks to our friends at Theatrepeople for a few minor corrections.
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