Cody Simpson Returns to the Spotlight in Guys & Dolls

Cody Simpson is set to make waves once again, this time on stage, as he takes on the lead role of Sky Masterson in Opera Australia’s dazzling new production of Guys & Dolls. Scheduled to run from March 21 to April 20, 2025, this open-air spectacle will be performed on Sydney Harbour, offering a unique combination of musical theatre and breathtaking scenery. For Simpson, the production marks his Australian theatre debut and a significant new chapter in his already multifaceted career.

Born in Benowa, a suburb of Queensland’s Gold Coast, Simpson first rose to fame as a teenage pop star after his YouTube covers of artists like Jason Mraz and Justin Timberlake captured global attention. He released his debut single, iYiYi, in 2010 and soon after relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a music career. Over the years, he released four studio albums—Paradise (2012), Surfers Paradise (2013), Free (2015), and Cody Simpson (2022)—cementing his status as an international pop sensation.

However, music was just the beginning for Simpson. He transitioned to musical theatre in 2018, starring as Dmitry in Broadway’s Anastasia. The same year, he won The Masked Singer Australia, showcasing his diverse talents to a national audience. Despite these achievements, Simpson surprised many when he stepped away from the entertainment industry to return to competitive swimming, a sport he excelled in as a child.

In 2022, Simpson joined the Australian Swim Team and competed at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he won gold and silver medals in relay events. Although he narrowly missed qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, Simpson’s dedication and perseverance earned him widespread respect. Earlier this year, he announced his retirement from competitive swimming, calling it a “box ticked” in his life.

Simpson’s return to the stage comes with a twist of irony: Guys & Dolls will be performed on a floating stage on Sydney Harbour, keeping him close to the water even as he transitions away from the pool. Drawing on the discipline and lung capacity he developed during years of swim training, Simpson brings a renewed vocal strength to the role of Sky Masterson, a suave gambler famously portrayed by Frank Sinatra in the 1955 film adaptation.

The role is a deeply personal one for Simpson, as Guys & Dolls was one of the musicals that first inspired his love of theatre. The production offers him an opportunity to reconnect with his theatrical roots and fulfill a long-held dream of performing in Australian musical theatre.

Joining Cody Simpson in Opera Australia’s Guys & Dolls on Sydney Harbour is a stellar cast of seasoned performers. Jason Arrow, celebrated for his titular role in Hamilton, will take on the comedic and lovable Nicely-Nicely Johnson, bringing his signature charm to the stage. Annie Aitken, known for her stunning performances in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Cry-Baby, steps into the role of Sarah Brown, the virtuous Salvation Army sergeant who finds herself caught in a whirlwind romance. Bobby Fox, a four-time World Irish Dance Champion and star of Jersey Boys, rounds out the lead cast as Nathan Detroit, the fast-talking, perpetually scheming gambler at the heart of the story. Together, this dynamic cast promises to deliver a vibrant and unforgettable production against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour.

Opera Australia’s Guys & Dolls promises to be a spectacular production, combining the charm of one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals with the grandeur of its Sydney Harbour setting. As Sky Masterson, Simpson will play a confident and charismatic gambler whose romantic entanglements form the heart of the story.

For Simpson, the experience is about more than just performing; it’s about embracing a new challenge and blending his diverse passions. His career, which spans music, acting, and competitive sports, reflects a willingness to push boundaries and reinvent himself.

Opera Australia’s Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour series has become renowned for its ambitious outdoor productions, and Guys & Dolls is expected to be no exception. With dazzling sets, a live orchestra, and Sydney’s iconic skyline as a backdrop, the show is poised to be a must-see event in 2025.

Fans of Simpson and musical theatre enthusiasts alike will be eager to see how the singer-turned-swimmer-turned-actor brings Sky Masterson to life. With his distinctive blend of talent, determination, and charisma, Simpson is sure to make his mark on the Australian stage in this unforgettable production.