The life of pop-star-turned-swimmer Cody Simpson has taken another twist. After failing to make the Australian Olympic team this year, Simpson has headed back to the entertainment industry, and the 27-year-old has just been unveiled as the lead role of Opera Australia’s Guys and Dolls. Guys and Dolls is a five-time Tony award-winning musical, and was also made into a film in the 1950s, starring Hollywood icons Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Simpson has big shoes to fill, playing the character of Sky Masterson, the same character the legendary Brando played in the film. Opera Australia’s version is set to debut at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour in March. Other Australian actors in the cast include Bobby Fox, Jason Arrow and Annie Aitken.
“The role of Sky has always been one of my dream stage roles ever since I was first introduced to the story and the soundtrack of Guys and Dolls,” Simpson said. “I fell in love with the film as a teenager when I first developed a passion for musical theatre prior to my debut on Broadway. “I’m drawn to 1940’s-50’s era, the music, the style, the fashion.
“I’m heavily inspired by the singers and crooners of the era and am excited to introduce this to the next generation. “It’s probably why the Guys and Dolls movie is an all-time favourite and Frank Sinatra in particular, is a major inspiration.” More to come .
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