RIALTO CHATTER: Is Kerry Ellis 'Oliver's' New Nancy?

Whatsonstage.com is reporting that Kerry Eliis is set to replace Jody Prenger in the West End production of Oliver!, now playing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.  She plays opposite Omid Djalili as Fagin, with Griff Rhys set to take over the role on 14 December, 2009.

The tip off comes courtesy of a Twitter update from 'resource website' kerryellisweb.co.uk reads: "More Oliver! rumours ... It will be officially announced on Friday this week (27 November) that Kerry Ellis is the next Nancy ... Stay tuned." 

Kerry Ellis has starred as Elphaba in the West End and Broadway productions of the musical Wicked. Among her previous notable roles are as Fantine in the West End production of Les Misérables and as Meat in the original London production of We Will Rock You.  She has additionally appeared My Fair Lady and became second understudy to Martine McCutcheon for the lead role of Eliza Dolittle, which she got to play on five occasions. She also understudied Marti Webb in Magic Of The Musicals.

Jody Prenger won the role of Nancy in the record breaking hit on the West End after being cast through the reality talent search competition casting series I'd Do Anything in 2008.  Her run was recently extended until March 2010.  No information is known as to when this casting change may officially take place.

Oliver! is one of the most beloved British musicals, which brings to life Dickens' timeless characters with its ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more. Cameron Mackintosh presents this re-staging of Lionel Bart's Oliver! based on Same Mendes' 1994 reproduction at London's Palladium.  

Rupert Goold (Best Director, 2008 Olivier Awards), has restaged Sam Mendes' acclaimed production, along with Tony award winning director and choreographer Matthew Bourne.  Design is by Anthony Ward. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.oliverthemusical.com.

 

 

 

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