THE MARVELLOUS ELEPHANT MAN THE MUSICAL ANNOUNCES STAR-STUDDED CAST FOR SYDNEY DEBUT IN SEPTEMBER
The highly-anticipated musical extravaganza, The Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical, is thrilled to announce the truly extraordinary cast of its Sydney-debut at the 2023 Sydney Fringe Festival. This show-stopping, five-star-studded show is set to take place at the iconic Sydney Spiegeltent, in Sydney Fringe’s Spiegeltent Festival Gardens from September 1st to October 1st. The production promises to be the must-see spectacle of the season.Co-directed by the acclaimed Christopher HF Mitchell and the Olivier Award-winning, West End and Broadway director Guy Masterson, The Marvellous Elephant Man boasts an exceptional ensemble of world-class musical theatre talent. 
After captivating international audiences as a member of The Ten Tenors, the immensely talented Ben Clarke, takes on the titular role of John Merrick, ‘The Elephant Man.’ Ben has recently mesmerised audiences in the Handa production of The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour, along with starring in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and The Magic Flute for Opera Australia.Also taking centre stage – stepping into the sensible, non-slip surgical shoes of Nurse Hope – is rising musical theatre star, Annelise Hall. Who will also star as Sandy in the Melbourne production of Grease later this year alongside the legendary Patty Newton. Annelise’s captivating performances have garnered praise from audiences, and she is poised to deliver an enchanting portrayal of The Marvellous Elephant Man’s love interest.From Baz Luhrmann’s production of La Bohème on Broadway, The Merry Widow, The Mikado, Die Fledermaus, and Sweeney Todd, to name a few, the highly-accomplished and utterly-electric Kanen Breen rounds out the already stellar cast. Donning the dastardly upper class hauteur of the story’s arch-antagonist, Dr Treves. Kanen’s outstanding operatic lamb chops are a glorious showstopper.
Taking on the role of The Ringmaster (plus multiple other characters) is Marc Lucchesi of the funk fusion band Vaudeville Smash. Marc has the additional distinction of being one of the three Australian musicians who wrote and composed The Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical.The production also features an excellent ensemble cast, including Eleanor MacIntyre, Jayan Nandagopan, Sam Harmon and Lachlan Bartlett. The team will take centre stage to immerse Sydney-siders in this dark, gothic fairytale and bring this marvellous musical to glorious life. As the production continues to unveil more talented cast members, the anticipation for its spectacular Sydney debut grows even stronger.The creative team behind the production is equally world class, with Wayne Pashley as the Sound Designer, Roberto Surace as the Set and Costume Designer, Rachel Nankin and Phoebe Clark as Associate Designers, and Michael Topple as the Casting Director. Eden Read brings her accomplished choreography skills to the production, and Sarah Nandagopan, along with Jayan Nandagopan, contributes as the Musical Director and Composer.Co-directors Chris Mitchell and Guy Masterson, are delighted to be working with such a talented ensemble. Mitchell expresses his admiration, stating, “The talent and dedication of the entire cast is truly awe-inspiring. Each member brings a unique energy and passion to their role, elevating the production to new heights.” Masterson echoes this sentiment, adding, “Working with a cast of this calibre is an absolute joy. Their collective artistry and commitment to storytelling have brought an unparalleled depth and authenticity to the show. Sydney is in for a treat.”Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the magic of The Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical as it takes Sydney by storm. Buy your tickets now for the four-week run from September 1st to October. Follow @marvellouselephantman and @sydneyspiegeltent on socials to stay up to date with the latest news and cast announcements.
★★★★★ In Daily ★★★★★ Stage Whispers ★★★★★ Beat Magazine
★★★★★ The Advertiser ★★★★★ The AU Review ★★★★★ Glam Adelaide
★★★★★ ABC Adelaide ★★★★★ Canberra Critics Circle ★★★★★ Barefoot ReviewStay up to date with all things Marvellous!Purchase Tickets Today: https://tickets.sydneyfringe.com/Events/Marvellous-Elephant-Man-The-Musical/ Dates: 1 September – 1 October 2023Venue: Sydney Spiegeltent, Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park NSW 2021Getting there is easy, click HERE for directions!
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The DirectorsAbout Guy Masterson:Guy studied drama at UCLA and LAMDA. Globally acclaimed as a solo-performer, Guy began directing in 1991 with Peter Shaffer’s ‘The Public Ear & The Private Eye’ In 1993 he directed his first solo play, ‘Playing Burton’ about his uncle, Richard Burton.
Since then, he has directed 40 more plays, of which 25 were solos and won numerous awards. Over 29 consecutive seasons at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival since 1994, Masterson has presented over 150 shows and directed several of its most celebrated hits including ‘Adolf’ (1999); ’12 Angry Men’ (2003) – which smashed all box office records, and for which he received Edinburgh’s most prestigious prize – The Jack Tinker ‘Spirit of the Fringe’ Award among several others.
In 2004, he originated the West End hit, ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’ starring Mackenzie Crook & Christian Slater. In 2005, he directed Edinburgh’s biggest box office hit to date, ‘The Odd Couple’, starring Bill Bailey and Alan Davies.
His 2009 hit ‘Morecambe’ transferred to London’s West End and won the WhatsOnStage & TMA awards and a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Entertainment plus a nomination for the performer. In 2018, Guy co-wrote and directed ‘The Marilyn Conspiracy’ due to play London in 2024 and, in 2019 ‘The Shark Is Broken’ – which finally transferred triumphantly to the West End in 2021, was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, and will open on Broadway on 25 July 2023.
He is married to Brigitta and father to Indigo and Tallulah.
About Chris HF Mitchell:Chris Mitchell is a Melbourne-based entrepreneur, major art grant recipient, graduate of 16th Street Actors Studio and founding partner of the brand-new Northcote Theatre. He is also an accomplished filmmaker, with award-winning short films and featurettes screened at international festivals including Fantastic Fest, Snow Dance, Melbourne Underground Film Festival, Tokyo International Short Film Festival and many more. The venue he founded and creatively directed – Red Bennies – won multiple Melbourne Fringe awards, including best venue, and served as an Australian hub for global artists.Lead CastAbout Ben Clarke:With a career that has seen him perform to audiences in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and
Australia, Ben has wowed audiences globally for well over a decade. Ben began by studying Music Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts and shortly after graduating he joined international touring group The Ten Tenors, where he toured the world for six years. Most recently, Ben appeared in the Handa production of The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour. Ben’s other credits include performing the principal role of Prince Tamino in The Magic Flute for Opera Australia’s Schools tour. He also appeared in the Helpmann Award-winning season of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Victorian Opera). In 2018, Ben appeared on the hit show The Voice, going on to finish the season in fifth place. Ben has had the opportunity to sing the Australian national anthem at some of the country’s premier sporting events, including the Melbourne Cup and the Boxing Day Test.
About Annelise Hall:Annelise Hall is an accomplished performer with a wealth of experience in the world of theatre, film, and television. She holds a Bachelor of Musical Theatre from Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.
Annelise’s theatre credits include memorable roles such as Sandy in the highly acclaimed production of Grease at QPAC, Sophie in Mamma Mia with The Show Co., and Jenny Cover in Aspects of Love at Hayes Theatre. Recently announced as the lead role of Sandy in the upcoming stage production of Grease in Melbourne, alongside the legendary Patty Newton, Annelise continues to make waves in the industry.
In film, Annelise has showcased her talent as Elsie in Sistas, directed by Holly Trenaman, and Jen in Blue, directed by Emily Sena. On television, she has lent her soprano vocals to The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, aired on Channel 9 and produced by Little Red Co.
Annelise’s skills have garnered recognition, including the prestigious Hollywood Immersive 2017 Scholarship. She is a proud member of Actor’s Equity, reflecting her dedication to the profession.
With her impressive repertoire and unwavering commitment, Annelise Hall brings her immense talent to The Marvellous Elephant Man, leaving a lasting impression on audiences with her outstanding performances.About Kanen Breen: Kanen Breen is a highly acclaimed tenor renowned for his exceptional operatic performances. His illustrious career includes the lead tenor role of Rodolfo in Baz Luhrman’s production of La Bohème on Broadway during 2003 and the world premieres of Jonathan Mills’ The Ghostwife in the Melbourne and Sydney Festivals, as well as at London’s 2002 BITE02 Festival. He also shone in Paul Grabowsky’s Love In The Age Of Therapy at the Melbourne Festival.
Since 2004, Kanen has been a full-time principal artist for Opera Australia, captivating audiences with his versatile performances. His repertoire spans a wide range of roles, including Camille in The Merry Widow, Nanki Poo in The Mikado, Ralph Rackstraw in HMS Pinafore, and many more. Notably, Kanen has recently delighted audiences with his portrayal of Deadle Bamford in Stuart Maunder AM’s production of Sweeney Todd at the Opera House.
Kanen’s talent has graced stages beyond Opera Australia, with standout performances at Opera Queensland, including roles such as Nadir in The Pearlfishers, Nanki Poo in The Mikado, and Ramiro in Cenerentola. He has also appeared as Andy Warhol in the 2014 Brisbane Festival season of The Perfect American.
In addition to his operatic engagements, Kanen has made notable concert appearances, including Opera Under The Stars for the Brisbane Festival and Carmina Burana for the Brisbane River Festival. His artistry has been recognized and admired in various prestigious venues and festivals, such as the Festspielhaus program of the 2013 Melbourne Ring Festival.
About Marc Lucchesi: Marc is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, director and performer with a wide, prestigious repertoire. Over the years, he has produced music and provided vocals for world-class organisations, including ABC kids, SBS and Disney Jr. Born in Italy, Marc moved to Adelaide aged 4, where he later attended the Elder Conservatorium of Music. After graduation, Marc took his degree in Jazz (Saxophone) and moved to Melbourne, where he lives today. During the day, Marc works as the music coordinator of Ascot Vale Special School; by night, he’s the frontman and lead singer of the band Vaudeville Smash.About The Marvellous Elephant Man The Musical:The Marvellous Elephant Man The Musical is a captivating theatrical production that tells the extraordinary story of Joseph Merrick. Inspired by true events, this enchanting show combines humour, emotion, and powerful performances to explore themes of compassion, inner beauty, and acceptance. Having garnered critical acclaim and standing ovations at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2022, The Marvellous Elephant Man The Musical is set to mesmerise audiences at the Sydney Fringe Festival.About Sydney Fringe Festival:The Sydney Fringe Festival is the largest independent arts festival in New South Wales with over 450 events presented in over 70 venues across Greater Sydney each year. Each September emerging artists and culture creators from all over the city join forces with us to share Sydney’s stories presenting new work from all genres. Outside of festival time, we advocate for artists, agitate for change and activate unused space creating new cultural infrastructure and precincts.About Entertainment Quarter:EQ is an iconic entertainment, leisure and retail precinct located in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, featuring cinemas, restaurants, bars, retail and leisure outlets, largely surrounding The Showring, an exceptional outdoor performance and event space, and the home of weekly and monthly markets. Situated immediately adjacent to the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney Football Stadium, Disney Studios, The Hordern Pavilion and The Royal Hall of Industries, the 11.08 hectare site benefits from the major sporting and entertainment events that are held regularly at these facilities. EQ also offers ample public parking for over 2000 cars.About Sydney Spiegeltent:Unforgettable nights are all there is to be had at Sydney Spiegeltent, your home of roaring, rambunctious, roll-through-the-aisles fun! Day and night, Sydney Spiegeltent will mesmerise audiences with hilarious, one-of-a-kind shows you won’t see anywhere else during Fringe. Come along to the Entertainment Quarter’s show ring and be the first to experience all the Spiegeltent has in store for you!About Spiegeltent Festival Gardens:Opening 1 September at the Entertainment Quarter, prepare to be captivated by an electrifying atmosphere that promises a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Sydney’s Inner East, this dazzling garden beckons you to immerse yourself in a playground of wonder, performance, food and drink. The Gardens brings all the razzle-dazzle of the Big Top to Sydney – a multi-venue precinct featuring the ever-amazing Sydney Spiegeltent and the always electrifying Vault.
