Media Release Update - Friday 8th November 2024
The cast for the Australian premiere season of Elf: The Musical has been found. After a journey through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest and past the sea of twirly-swirly gum drops, they will reach the Opera House to open on 19 December.
Gareth Isaac (Grease the Musical, Mary Poppins) will lead the company as the loveable Buddy, joined by Simon Burke (Wicked, Moulin Rouge! The Musical) as Walter Hobbs, Brianna Bishop (Grease the Musical, feature film The Deb) as Jovie, Lara Mulcahy (Mamma Mia! - Australia and West End) as Santa, Katrina Retallick (Come From Away) as Emily Hobbs, Oscar Bridges (The Sound of Music) as Michael Hobbs, Andrew Dunne (The Phantom of the Opera) as Mr Greenway and Madeleine Mackenzie (Hairspray) as Deb, bringing to life the beloved characters from the timeless film. The ensemble is completed by Sarah Bakker (Mary Poppins - Broadway), John Rex Berry (West Side Story), Olivia Carniato (Hamilton), Nakita Clarke (School of Rock), James MacAlpine (An American In Paris), David Ouch (Miss Saigon), Rose Shannon-Duhigg (Grease the Musical), Lewis Shilvock (Cinderella) and Nicole Vella (Elvis: A Musical Revolution).
Based on the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum, the story follows Buddy on a heartwarming journey after he discovers he is actually human, despite being raised as an elf in the North Pole. Hijinks ensue as he searches for his birth family, taking him to the bright lights of New York City where he’s faced with many harsh realities, including a father who’s on the naughty list and a half-brother who doesn't even believe in Santa. Presented with John Frost for Crossroads Live, this new concert production is directed by Eric Giancola with choreography by Mitchell Woodcock and features a 15-strong on-stage band under the musical direction of Vanessa Scammell.
Speaking about the (silly) season, director Eric Giancola shared “Elf: The Musical wraps up all the best things about the holidays with humour and joy, and reminds us that a little kindness is the most magical gift of all. We’ve assembled a wonderfully talented cast to capture that festive spirit and make a little mischief with – Christmas has definitely come early with this bunch!”
Simon Burke (left) as Walter Hobbs and Gareth Isaac (right) as Buddy lead the company of Elf: The Musical. Photo Credit: Daniel Boud
Gareth Isaac as Buddy the Elf throws his hands in the air inside the Concert Hall
Photo Credit: Daniel Boud
Christmas has come early with the Sydney Opera House’s announcement that Elf: The Musical will make its Australian premiere in a presentation designed for the Concert Hall from 19th to 29th December.
Presented with John Frost for Crossroads Live, this heartwarming musical adaption of the beloved film follows Buddy on a quest to find his true identity
Meet Buddy, a young orphan who ends up at the North Pole after crawling into Santa's gift sack. Raised as an elf, he remains unaware that he is actually a human. Given his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities he must face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy heads to bustling New York City to track down his birth father. He must grapple with having a father on Santa’s naughty list and win over a sceptical younger half-brother who no longer believes in Santa.
Based on the beloved Christmas classic film starring Will Ferrell, Elf: The Musical features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (Disney's Aladdin on Broadway, The Wedding Singer). The story comes to life with a book by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone).
Escape to the North Pole and New York City with your loved ones this December for a show that’s bursting with joy and holiday magic. Don’t miss out on the fun - Elf: the Musical is the ultimate holiday event for friends and family this Christmas at Sydney Opera House.
This new concert production will be directed by Eric Giancola with choreography by Mitchell Woodcock, performed by a dazzling cast of 16 and an on-stage band of 15 under the musical direction of Vanessa Scammell.
Elf: The Musical is based on the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday 19th to Sunday 29th December 2024
Duration: This event runs for 2 hours 25 minutes, including 20 minute interval.
Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
Ages: Suitable for all ages.
Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times.
Location: Sydney Opera House
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