Earlier this year, it was announced that Gerry Connolly would be taking over the role of ‘Captain of the S.S. American’ from Alan Jones during the Brisbane and Melbourne legs of Anything Goes. Although Jones initially planned to reprise the role in Sydney, it has today been confirmed that Connolly will also taking over the role in Sydney as well. According to a media release, Alan Jones has had to withdraw from the role “due to his increased radio and television commitments”.
Connolly plays opposite Caroline O’Connor as evangelist turned nightclub singer Reno Sweeney; Todd McKenney as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh; Alex Rathgeber as young Wall Street broker Billy Crocker; Claire Lyon will be American debutante Hope Harcourt; Carmen Duncan in her musical theatre debut as Evangeline Harcourt; Wayne Scott Kermond as second-rate gangster Moonface Martin; Debora Krizak as Moonface’s girlfriend Erma; and Bartholomew John as Wall Street banker Elisha J. Whitney.
John Frost (Australian Theatre Producer) and Lyndon Terracini AM (Opera Australia Artistic Director) had this to say on the announcement…
We’re thrilled that Gerry Connolly is able to continue aboard the S.S. American for the Sydney season of Anything Goes. Whilst it’s disappointing that Alan Jones is not available to play the Captain, we’re delighted that Gerry has agreed to remain as part of the original cast.
Having finished its run in Melbourne, Anything Goes is set to begin previews at QPAC this coming weekend before its official opening night on Tuesday 28 July 2015. Following a limited three week season in Queensland, it will be headed to the Sydney Opera House’s Joan Sutherland Theatre – where sessions will begin from September 5 2015.
