)
A FRESH and talented cast of Australia’s best musical theatre performers will take to the stage in January for ‘The Rocky Horror Show’.
‘The Rocky Horror Show’ holds a unique place in theatre history as one of the most endearing and outrageously fun shows.
It opened at London’s Royal Court Theatre on June 19, 1973, quickly developing a cult following, and was adapted into the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which has the longest-running release in film history.
Producers Howard Panter and John Frost have today revealed the cast members for the 2014 Australian tour which opens at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC following seasons in Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne.
The coveted role of Frank N Furter will be played by Craig McLachlan, fresh from shooting the title role in the second series of ABC TV’s drama series The Doctor Blake Mysteries.
Playing the roles of Janet and Brad will be musical theatre favourites Christie Whelan Browne (A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Shane Warne The Musical) and Tim Maddren (Hi 5, The Addams Family).
Reprising his role as Riff Raff, Frank’s loyal handyman, which he played in New Zealand and the UK will be Kristian Lavercombe, while his sister Magenta will be played by Erika Heynatz, who was nominated for a Helpmann Award for her debut musical theatre role in Legally Blonde.
Columbia, the groupie in Frank’s entourage, will be played by Ashlea Pyke (Legally Blonde), and Eddie and Dr Scott will be Nicholas Christo (My Fair Lady). In his first leading role as Frank’s creation Rocky will be Brendan Irving (An Officer and a Gentleman).
“We are thrilled to have found the perfect cast for the 40th Anniversary Australian tour of this much loved iconic musical,” Frost says.
“There is no one who can play the character of Frank N Furter like Craig McLachlan. He oozes that risqué charm that an actor playing Frank needs, as well as bucket loads of sex appeal. And after an extensive audition process we have secured a group of exciting musical theatre talents to complete the cast.
“We know audiences are going to love doing the Time Warp with this wonderful cast again.”
‘The Rocky Horror Show’ opens at Lyric Theatre, QPAC from January 8, 2014. For bookings, contact qpac.com.au or phone 136 246.
)
