Rob Mills, Todd McKenney, Gretel Scarlett, Lucy Maunder and Bert Newton confirmed in principal Grease cast.
Producer John Frost announced 12 of the cast members signed on for the upcoming 2013 revival tour of Grease this morning at the Hard Rock Cafe in Darling Harbour.
Rob Mills (Wicked, Legally Blonde) and Gretel Scarlett (Mamma Mia, Wicked) have been cast in the coveted roles of teen lovers Danny and Sandy. Musical theatre favourites Lucy Maunder and Stephen Mahy will star as Rizzo and Kenickie and veterans Todd McKenney (Teen Angel) and Bert Newton (Vince Fontain) will take to the stage in cameo roles.
This multi million dollar production will open in at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre Brisbane on 31 August, with previews from 27 August. The show has also confirmed seasons at Sydney Lyric from 13 October (Opening Night 17 October) and Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne from 2 January (Opening Night 4 January).
Also confirmed in the Grease cast is Anthony Callea as Johnny Casino (a role performed last by Rob Mills in the 2005 Arena Tour), Francine Cain (Frenchy), Chris Durling (Doody), Sam Ludeman (Sonny), Duane McGregor (Roger) and Laura Murphy (Jan).
“Grease is one of my favourite musicals, and with this top draw cast of musical theatre stars I have no doubt it will again be everyone’s favourite party musical,” said Producer John Frost.
“I’m thrilled that Rob Mills will be our Danny, straight from his success in Legally Blonde, and that we have found a new leading lady in Gretel Scarlett.”
Grease the Musical opened on Broadway in 1972 and was nominated for seven Tony awards. During its 40 year lifespan, a multitude of actors have passed through the ranks of this production including Richard Gere, John Travolta, Sutton Foster, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Zacks and Megan Mullally. And the recently assembled Australian cast is promising to be just as impressive.
“Both Rob and Gretel gave sensational auditions, and our UK creative team knew instantly that they were the ideal Danny and Sandy. And it’s wonderful again to be working with the wonderful Todd McKenney, the talented Anthony Callea and, for our sixth musical together, the irrepressible Bert Newton. What can I say about this cast – You’re The One That I Want!”
Featuring all the unforgettable songs from the hit 1978 movie including You’re The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy, Greased Lightnin’ and more, Grease is set to be a party musical for all ages.
Full cast announcement to follow.
Tickets on sale from 8 April 2013. For more information visit greaseistheword.com.au
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Bitterly disappointing for Australian theatre. Another example of simply going for people with names to get the ticket sales - if they hadn't noticed that's the reason an increased number of productions are failing and can't sustain long seasons. Rob mills in no way reflects the character of Danny, Bert almost died doing Wicked and casting everyone simply because they went to WAAPA is a far cry from where the industry should be.
Idiot! Casting WAAPA grads is where the industry should be. Couldn't agree more about Rob Mills - how can a liaison with Paris Hilton get him so many leading roles when he is one of the most talentless performers in this country - beats me!!
Rob Mills is a great entertainer and actor but he is NOT Danny. There are other young musical theatre stars that could play the role of Danny, namely Ben Mingay who has the looks and a fantastic voice to go with it.
As loveable as Bert is, he is NOT Vince Fontain that role should be played by someone much younger than Bert. Josh Piterman or Michael Falzon could be Vince Fontain.
Yes yes Ben Mingay would have been the only
Real choice for the role of Danny. Millsy would
Be better suited as Kinicky.
It would of been great to see Christie Whelan in this role, definitely depicts Sandy. She is like a young Olivia Newton john.
Here we go again....Another Pre Casting mess from the GFO Team, when will they ever learn?
I intend to go see this show solely for Laura Murphy as Jan. Not only is she a sexpot, but she sings and dances pleasingly well.
Can we wait and see if they all actually do suck before we start ripping in to all these people? Possibly?