Full Cast Announced for DREAM LOVER: THE BOBBY DARIN MUSICAL

Melbourne's summer musical Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical, commences at Arts Centre Melbourne from December 27th for a strictly limited season. Starring David Campbell as Bobby Darin and Hannah Fredericksen playing Sandra Dee, Bobby Darin's wife. Featured alongside them will be Marina Prior, Marney McQueen, Rodney Dobson and Martin Crewes in the extraordinary story of the Grammy award-winning singer and Oscar nominated actor, Bobby Darin. Tickets are on sale now at dreamlover.com.au.

Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical produced by John Frost and John and Barbara Gilbert of Gilbert Theatrical, will be the first musical celebrating the return of the summer musical at Arts Centre Melbourne. Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical had its world premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre late last year and audiences fell in love with this new Australian hit.

David Campbell stars as Bobby Darin where he won audience and critical acclaim during the Sydney season. He is one of Australia's most popular and versatile entertainers working in TV, radio, headlining theatre, cabaret and concert performances as well as being a multi-platinum recording artist. David has achieved similar success on the international stage, most notably captivating New York with his award-winning cabaret show. In addition to his TV and radio hosting roles he is currently thrilling audiences at the Hayes Theatre starring as John Wilkes Booth in Assassins.

Returning to the role of Sandra Dee is Hannah Fredericksen. Fredericksen recently starred as Olivia Newton-John in the hugely successful TV mini-series Molly, and on stage in the new Australian musical Ned, A New Australian Musical and the Green Room nominated production of City of Angels. Hannah is currently starring in Hayes Theatre Co's Assassins.

Joining the cast for the Melbourne season is Australian musical theatre royalty Marina Prior. Marina who most recently was praised for her leading roles in The Production Company's Hello Dolly and currently in MTC's Hay Fever, will play the dual roles of former showgirl Polly, Bobby Darin's mother (who is revealed to be his grandmother), and the ambitious, cut throat Mary Douvan, Sandra Dee's mother.

Martin Crewes will play Steve Blauner, Darin's oldest friend, biggest fan and longtime manager. Crewes has performed leading roles in Australia, America, the UK and Asia, enjoying a successful career in film, theatre and television. His musical credits include GFO's Doctor Zhivago and South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, Chess, Hair, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Aspects of Love, Hayes Theatre Co's award winning production of Sweet Charity and currently in Hayes Theatre Co's Assassins.

In the role of Nina, Darin's sister (later revealed to be his actual mother), will be Marney McQueen. McQueen played Marion in the original cast of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical, the devious Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray the Musical and the evil Queen Zeena in Cat Stevens' Moonshadow.

Fresh from the Australian tour of My Fair Lady, Rodney Dobson will play Charlie, the partner of Nina, a warm father figure to Darin. Most recently he also featured in My Fair Lady, Singin' in the Rain and Les Misérables as well as having starred in many Australian theatre productions including Wicked, Annie, Sunset Boulevard, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Moonshadow, Sweeney Todd, Buddy and South Pacific.

The incredible supporting cast includes Danielle Barnes, Ian Bliss, Ella Burns, Jan Di Pietro, Stefanie Jones, Andrew Kroenert, Jess Lindon, Natasha Paramor, Thern Reynolds, Josh Robson, SuzAnne Steele, Ellen Sutton, Riley Sutton, Jack Van Staveren, Drew Weston, Deone Zanotto.

An extraordinary story that goes far beyond the song, Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical reveals the amazing life of this legendary American singer, songwriter and actor. An intimate and epic story of an all-round entertainer adored by his fans, Bobby Darin, together with his movie star wife Sandra Dee, provided the iconic soundtrack to a generation. The musical captures the glamour and passion of the big band era, the Rat Pack in Vegas and the Golden Age of Hollywood, a time of trail-blazing stars, knock-out fashions and life-changing events.

Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical is a big show with a big score and a big heart. Based on an original concept and stage play by Frank Howson and John-Michael Howson, and adapted for the stage by Frank Howson with Simon Phillips and Carolyn Burns, the show includes 34 great hits from the 50s and 60s including Mack The Knife, Beyond the Sea, Splish Splash and the multi-million-seller Dream Lover.

Audiences and media acclaimed the premiere season of Dream Lover. The Sunday Telegraph said, "Turning in a phenomenal performance, (David) Campbell is the charismatic heart and anchor of Dream Lover ... Brian Thomson's glittery black set, studded with arching lights, puts the superb 18-piece big band on stage. Tim Chappel's wonderful costumes capture the period, as does Andrew Hallsworth's snappy, inventive choreography. Simon Phillips' slick direction keeps things moving seamlessly and he is well served by a terrific cast." Broadwayworld.com said, "Australia...can rival anything Broadway or the West End can produce" and The Australian raved about "a thrilling 18-piece band".

Don't miss Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical, a true story stranger than fiction and far beyond the song.

IF YOU GO:

Venue State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne

Season From 27 December 2017

Performance Times Wed & Thurs 7.30pm, Fri & Sat 8pm

Matinees Tues & Wed 1pm (January) and Wed & Thurs 1pm (February), Sat & Sun 2pm

PRICES: From $69.90*

BOOKINGS: dreamlover.com.au OR artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2017/musicals/dream-lover or call 1300 182 183

*A transaction fee of $8.50 will be levied at purchase. A delivery fee may also apply depending on your chosen delivery method.

Photo by Brian Geach

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