Michael Paynter will play John Farnham in the upcoming musical about the legendary Australian singer.
“Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical” will premiere at Sydney’s Roslyn Packer Theatre this November.
Forty years since its release in 1986, the musical, led by Sydney Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Mitchell Butel, will bring to life the story behind the titular album that made Farnham a household name in Australia.
Paynter will step into the titular role, fresh from thrilling audiences last year with husband Sydney Theatre Award-winning performance in “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Paynter says that being asked to tell the story of “the greatest voice this country has produced’’ is an honour that is “hard to put into words.”
“For me, John Farnham is the absolute zenith of male singers in all of history. The gold standard that I have spent my entire life being blessed and instructed by. After the whirlwind of the last year, being chosen to be a part of this musical, on the Sydney Theatre Company stage, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he says.
According to Butel, Paynter’s performance of “Gethsemane” in “Jesus Christ Superstar” confirmed him as the ideal actor to portray Farnham.
Love Film & TV?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.
“How do you cast someone to play one of the greatest singers who’s ever lived? First, you have to try and find a voice as golden and powerful and rich. But John Farnham is more than just an incredible voice. He is the ultimate showman and musical storyteller, with a rare ability to open his heart and connect with every person in his audience.
“When I watched Michael in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, his voice and performance took my breath away. During our audition process, it’s been a joy watching Michael unlock a warmth and charm and wit that is spookily Farnham-like as well,” Butel explains.
Michael Cassel says that it was an ‘’an enormous responsibility’’ to find the right performer to portray Farnham: “When Michael Paynter auditioned, his extraordinary vocal ability and emotional connection to the material immediately set him apart. There was a palpable sense of excitement in the room, and it was clear we were witnessing something exceptional.”
Tickets to “Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical” go on sale today at 9am local time. Find out more here.