P.J.Hogan, the writer and director of the original film Muriel’s Wedding and the writer of the book to the musical, said that he was delighted when he cast the then relatively unknown Toni Collette in the role of Muriel Heslop.
His delight was replicated when Maggie McKenna was cast as Muriel in MURIEL’S WEDDING THE MUSICAL Unlike in the film, the cast actually sing rather than mime. Music and lyrics have been provided by Keir Nuttal and Kate Miller-Heidke as well as songs by Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Stig Andersson (originally written for Abba). The songwriting husband and wife team worked on the score for two years and are anxiously waiting to see how their hard work will be received.
Also prominent in the cast are Madeleine Jones as Rhonda, Muriel’s best friend, Gary Sweet as Muriel’s Dad, Bill ‘the Battler Heslop’, Justine Clarke as Muriel’s Mum, Betty, and Helen Dallimore as the beauty consultant, Deidre Chambers.
Director Simon Phillips said at the Media Call that he has been delighted with the progress of rehearsals.
The world premiere production of MURIEL’S WEDDING THE WEDDING starts previewing at the Roslyn Packer Theatre from Monday November 6 with opening night Saturday 18th November. The production runs until Friday 27th January. Running time is expected to be 2 hours and 30 minutes with one twenty minute interval.
http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au
Photos by Ben Apfelbaum. Featured photo- Madeleine Jones and Maggie McKenna.
