New production of Mamma Mia! opens in November
The musical Mamma Mia!, will start its new national tour at the Canberra Theatre Centre on November 24 followed by a season from December 26 at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in Brisbane. Tickets are currently on sale for the Canberra season and Brisbane tickets will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday May 24th 2017.
The tour will continue onto Sydney’s Capitol Theatre from February 11 2018, Crown Theatre Perth from May 15, Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from July 10 and the Festival Theatre at Adelaide Festival Centre from October 9.
This new production is produced in Australia by Michael Coppel, Louise Withers & Linda Bewick.
Starring in this new Australian production as mother-of-the-bride Donna Sheridan is Natalie O’Donnell. Natalie began her acting career in 1998 with her professional debut in the Australian production of Les Misérables. Since then she has sustained a career in theatre, television and film across the world. She has starred in many musicals including most recently in Australia in Jerry’s Girls, Songs for a New World and Next to Normal Natalie starred in the original Australian production of Mamma Mia! as Sophie in 2001..
In the role of Donna’s daughter and bride-to-be Sophie, is Sarah Morrison. Sarah has just completed a sell-out national tour in the Australian musical Ladies in Black starring in the lead role of Lisa. Starring as Donna’s loyal friend Rosie is Alicia Gardiner who has extensive career highlights in theatre, television and film and is best known to Australian audiences for her role as nurse Kim Akerholt in the series Offspring.
Jayde Westaby joins the Dynamo trio in the role of much-married friend Tanya. Jayde, originally from the UK, has enjoyed a career on London’s West End appearing in The Rocky Horror Show, Chicago, Sweet Charity, Jersey Boys and Grease among others. Most recently in Australia she was part of the world premiere season of Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical.
Award winning actor Ian Stenlake stars as Sam Carmichael, one of Sophie’s unsuspecting fathers. Ian has sustained an extensive television career over the years, including starring roles in the Nine Network’s Sea Patrol for 5 seasons as Lieutenant Commander Mike Flynn, furthermore in Stingers, Murder Call and Dance Academy. He has also continued a vast theatre career appearing in shows such as Cabaret, Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma and most recently Around the World in 80 Days.
Stage and screen actor Phillip Lowe plays Harry Bright another man from Donna’s past who could be Sophie’s father. Phillip has appeared in many theatre productions including Crazy for You, Cabaret, Mary Poppins, High Society and recently starred in Georgy Girl - The Seekers Musical portraying Seeker Keith Potger.
Josef Ber plays Bill Austin the third potential father. Josef has appeared in many and varied theatre, television and film productions including Ned, Rush and Redfern Now.
Sophie’s adoring fiancé Sky is played by Stephen Mahy who’s career spans roles in musical theatre productions such as Miss Saigon, Jersey Boys, Grease, and the most recent Australian production of The Rocky Horror Show playing Brad.
Set on a Greek island paradise and inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, writer Catherine Johnson’s heart-warming tale centres around a young bride-to-be. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.
Canberra: Canberra Theatre, Canberra Theatre Centre From November 24. Bookings www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au or Ph: 02 6275 2700
Brisbane: Lyric Theatre, QPAC From December 26 Bookings (after May 24) www.qpac.com.au or Ph: 136 246. Sydney: Capitol Theatre from February 11; Perth: Crown Theatre From May 15; Melbourne: Princess Theatre from July 10; Adelaide: Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre from October 9.
Waitlist: www.mammamiathemusical.com.au
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