“Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical” has already been extended to meet demand.
Due to popular demand, new performances for Sydney Theatre Company’s musical have been added from Tuesday, December 22-Sunday, December 27, including a Boxing Day matinee.
Tickets for the new performances go on sale today (February 6) at 11am local time here.
Today’s announcement follows the news that Michael Paynter will take on the titular role in the upcoming production.
Paynter will step into the titular role, fresh from thrilling audiences last year with his Sydney Theatre Award-winning performance in “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Paynter said 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 shared.
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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.
According to Butel, Paynter’s performance of “Gethsemane” in “Jesus Christ Superstar” confirmed him as the ideal actor to portray Farnham.
“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 explained.
“Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical” will premiere at Sydney’s Roslyn Packer Theatre this November. Find out more here.