Rhonda Burchmore Joins SISTER ACT in Australia

Rhonda Burchmore will join Casey Donovan and Genevieve Lemon in Sister Act in Australia!

Rhonda will star as Sister Mary Lazarus in the Australian premiere of Sister Act when it opens at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney from August and the Regent Theatre in Melbourne from November.

“Rhonda Burchmore is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most versatile, funny and entertaining performers, so becoming Sister Mary Lazarus will be a hilarious sight to behold. She is a joyful addition to the cast of Sister Act and I am thrilled she has agreed to get into the habit,” said producer John Frost.

Rhonda’s favourite stage credits range from Hairspray to Hot Shoe Shuffle and include Mamma Mia, the Drowsy Chaperone, Mame and numerous others. Rhonda performed on the West End in Sugar Babies featuring Mickey Rooney and Ann Miller and Stop The World I Want To Get Off with Anthony Newley.

Her screen credits include I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, a lead recurring role in Channel Seven’s sitcom Fam Time, Hey Hey It’s Saturday, The Don Lane Show, The Midday Show, GMA with Bert Newton, Spicks and Specks, Carols in the Domain and Carols by Candlelight. She has also appeared as a guest on Kath & Kim and Nine Network’sLove Child. Rhonda made her film debut in the role of Kate in The Pirate Movie and more recently as Cheryl in The Wedding Party. Rhonda has recorded five albums including last year’s topical release, A Red Hot Swingin’ Christmas with ABC Records.

Based on the iconic film starring Whoopi Goldberg and featuring original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® award-winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted, The Little Mermaid), and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this heavenly musical is joyous and uplifting in equal measures. 

Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent! Encouraged to help the struggling choir, she helps her fellow sisters find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. 

The creative team behind Sister Act includes Alan Menken (Music), Glenn Slater (Lyrics), Cheri and Bill Steinkellner (Book), Bill Buckhurst (Director), Alistair David (Choreographer), Morgan Large (Set & Costume Design), Stephen Brooker (Musical Supervision), Tim Mitchell (Lighting Design) and Tom Marshall (Sound Design).

Composer Alan Menken’s music, songs and scores have become an integral part of the fabric of our lives since his first works were produced nearly 40 years ago. His chart-topping songs have included Beauty and the Beast, A Whole New World, Colours of the Wind and Go the Distance. His stage musicals include God Bless You, Mr Rosewater,Atina: Evil Queen of the Galaxy, Real Life Funnies, Little Shop of Horrors, Kicks, The Dream on Royal Street, Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol, Weird Romance, King David, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Leap of Faith, Newsies, Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, A Bronx Tale and Hercules.

Song and score credits for film musicals include: The Little Mermaid (animated), Beauty and the Beast (animated), Newsies, Aladdin (animated), The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, The Shaggy Dog, Home on the Range, Enchanted, Tangled, Mirror Mirror, Beauty and the Beast (live action), Howard, Aladdin (live action), Disenchanted (live action), The Little Mermaid (live action).

He is the winner of eight Oscars, with four for Best Score and four for Best Song and holds the distinction of having won more Academy Awards than any other living individual. Other notable awards include 11 Grammy Awards, seven Golden Globes, a Daytime Emmy Award, a Tony for Best Original Musical Score (Newsies), an Olivier Award, three Outer Critics Circle Awards and two Drama Desk Awards. His 2021 Emmy win elevated him to EGOT status, as the 16th person ever to receive an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award.

A musical sent from above, Sister Act is the brilliant, must-see show which raises the spirits and warms the soul time after time. Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as a total of six Olivier Award nominations across the original West End season and the London revival season. Sister Act also made a triumphant return to London’s West End in March 2024.

Further casting announcements will be made in the coming months.

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