After announcing a majority of their cast last month, producer Matt Ward Entertainment has announced that local radio personality – Emily Jade O’Keeffe – will be joining their cast of Mamma Mia! The Musical as the vivacious Tanya. She, along with the rest of the cast, will be performing exclusively at The Star Gold Coast from 19 June 2021 until 11 July 2021.
Emily Jade O’Keeffe is most known for her work on radio and television, including being the current host of 102.9 Hot Tomato’s Breakfast Show, and time as Queensland correspondent for the long-lived Mornings with Kerri-Ann. According to a media release making this announcement, having grown up “bobbing to ABBA’s top hit ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘watching Mamma Mia! on repeat with her 9-year-old daughter, Millie” she “wouldn’t say no to playing Tanya.
I’m so excited to join Matt Ward Entertainment’s dream team for the MAMMA MIA! production here on the Gold Coast this June to July. It’s a dream come true! I’ve always been inspired by ABBA and can’t wait to bring this magical and uplifting musical to life.
Emily Jade O’Keeffe
“I started working with Emily Jade as her vocal coach and knew from day dot she was perfect for the role of ‘Tanya’. She ticks all of the boxes – talent, experience and dedication – and her on-stage energy is going to be magnetic. We are so thrilled to have her join us on stage alongside a brilliant calibre of cast and crew for MAMMA MIA! next month, so watch out Gold Coast.
Matt Ward
O’keeffe will be joined on-stage by Jayde Westaby in the role of Donna. If that name rings any bells to any Mamma Mia! The Musical aficionados, they portrayed the role of Tanya in the most recent Australian tour. Performing their on-stage daughter, Sophie, is Madeline Grice. Her casting follows a campaign with 102.9 Hot Tomato to find Gold Coast’s Sophie.
Other cast members include Sean Mulligan as Sam, James Shaw as Harry, Sandro Colarelli as Bill, Lakota Johnson as Sky, Kyra Thompson as Ali, Alicia Fox as Lisa and Donalex Vilitama as Pepper. The ensemble cast also stars Zane Powell, Shyan Andrews, Jackson Brash, David Cuny, Aurelie Roque, Selin Doygun, Ryley Shaw, Maddi Coleman and Carle Doyle.
Presented by Matt Ward Entertainment, a company previously behind productions such as the 2019 HOTA season of Wicked and QPAC’s 2018 season of Rent, Mamma Mia! The Musical will be performed at The Star Gold Coast from 19 June 2021 until 11 July 2021. Tickets for all performances can be booked via Ticketek.
