LOVE NEVER DIES Australian Principals Announced

It's just been announced that taking principal roles in the new Australian production of LOVE NEVER DIES are Maria Mercedes, ShaRon Millerchip and Simon Gleeson, joining the previously announced Ben Lewis as The Phantom and Anna O'Byrne as Christine. They will join the rest of the cast, which are yet to be announced, when rehearsals start in just a few weeks.

ShaRon Millerchip will reprise the role of Meg Giry, a part she originally created for the Australian premiere of The Phantom of the Opera in Melbourne. Sharon is no stranger to playing strong-sassy women in musical theatre, having portrayed both Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly in Chicago (winning Helpmann Awards for both), Anita in West Side Story, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and Charity Hope Valentine in Sweet Charity.

Playing the role of Madame Giry, Meg's mother, is Maria Mercedes, an acclaimed singer and actress with work spanning three decades. Maria has won critical acclaim for her portrayal of roles in other Lloyd Webber works, including Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard and Grizabella in Cats, as well as Svetlana in Chess and Sophie Lenz in Jim Sharman's Shadow & Splendour. Maria has also played lead roles in Australian television series including Homicide, Division 4, Bluey and Neighbours.

The award-winning Simon Gleeson will play the role of Christine's husband Raoul. Since graduating from WAAPA in 1998, Simon has performed in many major musicals, including Les Misérables (Australian 10th Anniversary Production) Jolson, Shout, Mamma Mia! (Helmann Award nomination). He was also part of the Sydney Theatre's opening productions of Harbour and The Republic of Myopia for Sydney Theatre Company.

Love Never Dies will have its Australian premiere at the Regent Theatre, Melbourne in May.