"One of the thrilling things about the casting process of Mamma Mia! is
discovering fantastic new talent for the leading roles," said producer Louise
Withers.
"Having been astounded by the level of young Australian talent out there
we’re very proud to announce Suzie and David in the roles of Sophie and Sky."
Mathers is currently starring in the ensemble of the musical Wicked in
Melbourne.
The 2009 Helpmann Awards will be held on Monday, July 27 at the Opera Theatre,
Sydney Opera House, whilst the After Party will be held at The Argyle in The Rocks.
Jonathan Biggins and Julia Zemiro, both acclaimed actors, broadcasters and
comedians, will jointly MC the awards ceremony.
Zemiro hosted the pre-broadcast last year.
The ceremony will include performances by the casts of Avenue Q, Candy Man,
Chicago, Jerry Springer – The Opera, Shane Warne - The Musical, 7 Fingers and
Wicked, as well as performances from The Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company
and Opera Australia.
LPA's Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson, said: "The Helpmann Awards are the
pinnacle industry event for Australia's live performance industry, recognising the very
best in live performances that annually attract over 20 million people to shows across the
nation with revenues of over $A1.2 billion, and growing."
The Helpmanns will again be broadcast live on pay television, with the Bio Channel
to air the ceremony from 8.30pm. There will be a pre-broadcast section of the ceremony
that will not be aired.
Best New Australian Work went
to Eddie Perfect for Shane Warne The Musical.
Two
of Melbourne's biggest musicals have been visited by Hollywood royalty in the shape of Tom
Cruise and his wife Katie Holmes.
After 10 years, the most celebrated
musical of all time has returned to Australia. 
Mark down July 15 as
the most nervous day in Zoe Gertz's life.
Rehearsals
for the upcoming international tour of Jekyll And Hyde get underway next week,
with the show to open next month in South Korea. It is likely that the production will
come to Australia either late this year or early 2010.
The hit international musical Jersey Boys has opened in
Melbourne, with a spectacular opening night performance held at the Princess Theatre last
night, followed by a lavish after party at the Sofitel on Collins Street.
Film director Peter Carstairs (September) is
about to make his theatre debut, with the hilarious black comedy The Lonesome West –
the third work in Martin McDonagh’s famous Leenane Trilogy – opening
at Belvoir St Downstairs Theatre on August 21.
Jersey Boys producer Rodney
Rigby says he cannot wait for the show to officially open at the Princess Theatre in
Melbourne on Saturday night and with the overseas creative team now in Australia, all is
in readiness for the big night.
Hit musical Wicked is set
to sweep the 2009 Helpmann Awards, with the show scoring an incredible 12 nominations -
including one for the late Rob Guest, setting up what could be the best possible tribute
to a treasured theatrical veteran.
Oscar winner and Sydney Theatre Company Artistic Director Cate
Blanchett has been nominated for a Helpmann Award for her work in the company's production
of War Of The Roses.
The legendary Rob Guest has been
nominated for a Helpmann Award, setting up what could be the ultimate tribute to a
treasured theatrical veteran.
The smash hit musical sensation Chicago will close at
Sydney's Lyric Theatre on August 9.
Australia’s leading theatre producer John
Frost (pictured) today announced he will produce the British hit comedy Calendar Girls
in Australia in 2010.