Hogan for Strange Bedfellows?
It was reported in Melbourne’s premier newspaper, The Age, this morning that Paul Hogan could be the last piece in the Strange Bedfellows casting puzzle.
It was reported in Melbourne’s premier newspaper, The Age, this morning that Paul Hogan could be last piece in the Strange Bedfellows casting puzzle.
AussieTheatre.com was the first to break the news that the show would be postponed until early 2012, and it seems we could be closer to discovering why.
As published on AussieTheatre.com on 31 August, producer Spencer McLaren’s media statement read:
“Like most original productions the world over, elements of a new show can sometimes take longer than anticipated to bring together and due to a delay in confirming a key cast member we need to adjust our opening dates to ensure the show we bring to the stage is the show we’ve worked so passionately to create.”
At the time, it was not revealed which “key” cast member had been unable to commit to the show, but the minor set-back pushed the company at least 10 weeks behind schedule. Much to the disappointment of the cast and crew, who were anticipating continuous work leading up to Christmas, the show will no longer open in Melbourne at the Princess Theatre in October. However, if Hogan is the missing piece in the puzzle, it is no wonder the show was pushed back to accommodate his schedule.
Hogan starred in the film Strange Bedfellows alongside Michael Caton in 2004, although he would not be reprising his original role in the show (as John Wood and Peter Cousens have already been cast). The Age speculates that he would be joining the company to play the role of the “taxman”.
It has also been speculated that the musical may open in Perth early next year, but nothing has been confirmed at this point.
Directed by Rodger Hodgman (MTC, Guys & Dolls, City Homicide), choreographed by Dana Jolly (We Will Rock You), Musically Directed by Kellie Dickerson (Wicked, Dr. Zhivago), Strange Bedfellows will star Peter Cousens, John Wood, Melissa Langton and Lucy Durack.
