Rehearsals Underway for GUYS & DOLLS: Set to Light Up Sydney Harbour
Rehearsals are in full swing for GUYS AND DOLLS on Sydney Harbour, Opera Australia’s annual Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production. The timeless musical comedy will come to life on a floating stage at Mrs Macquaries Point for a strictly limited four-week season, running from 21 March to 20 April.
International recording artist Cody Simpson steps into the spotlight as the suave high-roller Sky Masterson, joined by award-winning leading lady Annie Aitken as the virtuous Sarah Brown. The star-studded cast also features audience favourites: song-and-dance man Bobby Fox as the resourceful Nathan Detroit, stage and screen talent Angelina Thomson as the ever-charming Miss Adelaide, and Hamilton star Jason Arrow as the lovable Nicely-Nicely Johnson.
Under the direction of Shaun Rennie, the entire company is immersing itself in freshly minted choreography by Kelley Abbey and brand-new orchestrations by Guy Simpson of Frank Loesser’s classic score. Rennie says rehearsals have been a whirlwind of activity:
The whole cast is phenomenally talented and has immediately immersed itself in the exciting world we’re creating. This will be GUYS ANFD DOLLS as you’ve never seen it before. It’s one of the greatest musicals of all time, and audiences are in for an absolute treat. It’s incredibly exciting!
Set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, this production will feature iconic numbers such as Luck Be a Lady and Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat. Designer Brian Thomson has crafted a slice of New York City to float on the water, complemented by costumes from Jennifer Irwin.
Since its Broadway premiere in 1950, GUYS AND DOLLS has captivated audiences around the world, earning five Tony Awards—including Best Musical—and spawning a hit 1955 Hollywood film starring Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando. Its enduring popularity has been reaffirmed by successful revivals, most recently on London’s West End.
The event is made possible by the support of the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, alongside the International Foundation for Arts and Culture (IFAC) as Naming Rights Partner, Dr Haruhisa Handa OA’s Patron in Chief, and OA’s Principal Partner HSBC.
For a memorable night of soaring songs, dazzling dance numbers, and the spectacular vista of Sydney Harbour, GUYS AND DOLLS on Sydney Harbour promises to deliver an unmissable experience celebrating one of Broadway’s most beloved classics. Tickets and further information are available at Opera Australia’s website.
GUYS AND DOLLS on Sydney Harbour
Dates: 21 March – 20 April
Location: Mrs Macquaries Point
Tickets: CLICK HERE
