Cody Simpson has revealed a major career change.
The former swimming champion, 27, will be making his Australian musical theatre debut in a production of Guys & Dolls.
On Wednesday, Opera Australia announced Simpson will star in their production of the classic musical in 2025.
Cody will play the lead role of Sky Masterton, which was made famous in the 1955 film by acting legend Marlon Brando, starring alongside Frank Sinatra.
‘The role of Sky has always been one of my dream stage roles ever since I was first introduced to the story and the soundtrack of Guys & Dolls,’ he said.
‘I fell in love with the film as a teenager when I first developed a passion for musical theatre prior to my debut on Broadway,’ added Cody, who made his Broadway musical debut in 2018 after landing the lead role of Dmitry in Anastasia.
Cody Simpson has revealed a major career change. Pictured
The former swimming champion, 27, will be making his Australian musical theatre debut in a production of Guys & Dolls. On Wednesday, Opera Australia announced Simpson will star in their production of the classic musical in 2025. Cody will play the lead role of Sky Masterton
‘I’m drawn to 1940’s-50’s era, the music, the style, the fashion. I’m heavily inspired by the singers and crooners of the era and am excited to introduce this to the next generation.
‘It’s probably why the Guys & Dolls movie is an all-time favourite and Frank Sinatra in particular, is a major inspiration,’ he said.
Starring alongside Simpson will be two of Australia’s favourite leading men – Bobby Fox as Nathan Detroit, and the highly acclaimed breakout star of Hamilton Jason Arrow as the cheeky rogue Nicely-Nicely Johnson.
Starring alongside Simpson will be two of Australia’s favourite leading men – Bobby Fox as Nathan Detroit, and the highly acclaimed breakout star of Hamilton Jason Arrow as the cheeky rogue Nicely-Nicely Johnson, as well as Annie Aitken as Sarah Brown
‘I fell in love with the film as a teenager when I first developed a passion for musical theatre prior to my debut on Broadway,’ added Cody, who made his Broadway musical debut in 2018 after landing the lead role of Dmitry in Anastasia
Celebrated musical theatre performer Annie Aitken will also join the cast as the saintly Sarah Brown, the object of Sky’s scheming and eventual love interest.
With music by Frank Loesser and book by Joe Swerling and Abe Burrows, the five-time Tony award-winning musical is filled-to-the-brim with instantly recognisable tunes, including ‘Luck Be a Lady’ and ‘Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat’.
The production will be directed by award-winner Shaun Rennie, designed by Brian Thomson, with costumes by Jennifer Irwin.
The production of the hit Broadway show will play at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour from March 21 to April 20
The production of the hit Broadway show will play at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour from 21 March to 20 April
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