Post by AnThOnYcAlLeAaNdmIlLsYaReHoT on Mar 2, 2005 17:54:11 GMT 10
Farnham Greases the hair for new show
19:49 AEDT Tue Mar 1 2005
John Farnham's dusting off the leather jacket and slicking back the hair, because he's the one they want for a new stage version of Grease.
The Australian production of the 1978 film, Grease - The Arena Spectacular, was announced in Sydney.
Farnham has been cast as the Teen Angel - the role taken by Frankie Avalon in the cult 70's hit.
He is among more than 50 performers who will tell the love story of Sandy and Danny when the production tours nationally in May.
Craig McLachlan will reprise the part of Danny Zuko, played by John Travolta in the film.
It is the third time McLachlan will play the starring role, after previous Australian and UK productions.
Neighbours actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte has landed the part of Sandy, made famous by Olivia Newton-John.
Tamsin Carroll will star as Pink Lady, Rizzo, while former Australian Idol contestant Rob Mills will take on the role of Johnny Casino and Courtney Murphy will play Roger.
Comedian Magda Szubanski, best known as netball player Sharon in the ABC's Kath and Kim, will swap her pleated skirt for a poodle skirt and play Rydell High School mistress Miss Lynch.
Today Show entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins will also have a cameo appearance as Vince Fontaine.
Farnham said although the role was a surprise, he was looking forward to it and had already dug up his `50s records at home, along with his leather jacket.
"When I was asked I jumped at the chance," he said, adding he had watched Grease four times, but missed seeing the last Australian stage production.
"I'm looking forward to going through all that stuff.
"I grew up with that stuff, I grew up with those `50s songs."
Farnham, who featured in the 1992 Australian stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar, said he had been asked to choose a few songs from the `50s to sing in the film.
Szubanski also said she was excited about the production and her part as Miss Lynch.
"It's a really fun part and I think it's going to be great fun," she said.
"I can do whatever I want with it and have some fun with it.
"It's a real thrill performing in front of that many people."
Grease, which features the hits You're The One That I Want, Greased Lightnin' and Summer Nights, is still one of the most successful movies of all time after 25 years.
About 20 million copies of the soundtrack have been sold around the globe.
The Australian production will play in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.
©AAP 2005
19:49 AEDT Tue Mar 1 2005
John Farnham's dusting off the leather jacket and slicking back the hair, because he's the one they want for a new stage version of Grease.
The Australian production of the 1978 film, Grease - The Arena Spectacular, was announced in Sydney.
Farnham has been cast as the Teen Angel - the role taken by Frankie Avalon in the cult 70's hit.
He is among more than 50 performers who will tell the love story of Sandy and Danny when the production tours nationally in May.
Craig McLachlan will reprise the part of Danny Zuko, played by John Travolta in the film.
It is the third time McLachlan will play the starring role, after previous Australian and UK productions.
Neighbours actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte has landed the part of Sandy, made famous by Olivia Newton-John.
Tamsin Carroll will star as Pink Lady, Rizzo, while former Australian Idol contestant Rob Mills will take on the role of Johnny Casino and Courtney Murphy will play Roger.
Comedian Magda Szubanski, best known as netball player Sharon in the ABC's Kath and Kim, will swap her pleated skirt for a poodle skirt and play Rydell High School mistress Miss Lynch.
Today Show entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins will also have a cameo appearance as Vince Fontaine.
Farnham said although the role was a surprise, he was looking forward to it and had already dug up his `50s records at home, along with his leather jacket.
"When I was asked I jumped at the chance," he said, adding he had watched Grease four times, but missed seeing the last Australian stage production.
"I'm looking forward to going through all that stuff.
"I grew up with that stuff, I grew up with those `50s songs."
Farnham, who featured in the 1992 Australian stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar, said he had been asked to choose a few songs from the `50s to sing in the film.
Szubanski also said she was excited about the production and her part as Miss Lynch.
"It's a really fun part and I think it's going to be great fun," she said.
"I can do whatever I want with it and have some fun with it.
"It's a real thrill performing in front of that many people."
Grease, which features the hits You're The One That I Want, Greased Lightnin' and Summer Nights, is still one of the most successful movies of all time after 25 years.
About 20 million copies of the soundtrack have been sold around the globe.
The Australian production will play in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.
©AAP 2005
