Man Overboard: Alan Jones out, Gerry Connolly in for Sydney season of Anything Goes

Citing increased radio and television commitments, Alan Jones has withdrawn of the role of the Captain of the S.S American in the Sydney season of Anything Goes. The role will be be played by Gerry Connolly, who took in the part to great acclaim in the Melbourne and Brisbane seasons.

Dean Bryant’s new production of Anything Goes has sparked enthusiastically positive reviews; our own Anne-Marie Peard called the cast “superb” and wrote:

“This new Australian production directed by Dean Bryant and choreographed by Andrew Hallsworth fizzes with energy. It is very funny, and quite thrilling in parts – such as the show-stopping opening of Act Two, where O’Connor whips the company into a frenzy with her ‘sermon’ featuring the mighty ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’.”

Connolly is an Australian film, TV and theatre veteran. Most recently he played Marcus Lycus in the Geoffrey Rush-led production of A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum in Melbourne. He’s well known for impersonations, sketches and comedy on shows like Fast Forward and Kath & Kim.

“We’re thrilled that Gerry Connolly is able to continue aboard the S.S. American for the Sydney season of Anything Goes,” said John Frost and Lyndon Terracini.

“Whilst it’s disappointing that Alan Jones is not available to play the Captain, we’re delighted that Gerry has agreed to remain as part of the original cast.”

Anything Goes arrives at the Sydney Opera House on 5 September 2015. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.anythinggoesmusical.com.au