John Frost has found his next big green machine!
Frost announced today that the lead roles in the upcoming production of Shrek the Musical will be played by Ben Mingay as Shrek, and Lucy Durack as Princess Fiona.
Also announced was Marcia Hines as The Dragon in a guest appearance for the Sydney season.
Mingay is well known for his stage and screen work. His musical roles include Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys, the title role in The Phantom of the Opera, Zack in An Officer and A Gentleman, and Billy in the original Australian production of Dirty Dancing which led him to star in the UK and USA productions. He has also appeared on screen in Packed to the Rafters, Wonderland, Home and Away and House of Bond as Alan Bond. Ben is currently rehearsing the title role of Sweeney Todd for West Australian Opera.
Lucy Durack stared as Glinda the Good Witch in the original Australian production of Wicked, and has since played Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Glinda in GFO’s The Wizard of Oz, Sybil Chase in Private Lives for Melbourne Theatre Company and Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street amongst others. Her numerous film and television credits include Get Krack!n, Roxy in Sisters, Doctor Doctor, The Letdown, Now Add Honey, Goddess, Upper Middle Bogan, Here Come The Habibs, The Moodys and Dripping in Chocolate.
“When the opportunity to produce Shrek the Musical arose, I instantly thought of Ben and Lucy as ideal casting for Shrek and Princess Fiona, and I’m thrilled they have both agreed to join the production. And when I saw Marcia Hines command the stage in Saturday Night Fever, I knew she should play our Dragon,” said John Frost. “We’ll be auditioning for the rest of the cast next month and I can’t wait to find Donkey, Lord Farquaad, Gingy, Pinocchio and all the wonderful characters in this hilarious musical comedy.
Registration for auditions are open until the July 15 at the new GFO Audition Registration Portal, and we expect further casting news in the months to come.
Shrek opens at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star on January 1, 2020 before touring to Melbourne and Brisbane. More information is available at: Shrekthemusical.com.au.
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