Musical Theatre

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Andy Karl joins Australian cast of Groundhog Day The Musical (www.aussietheatre.com.au)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Andy Karl will lead the Melbourne, Australia cast of Groundhog Day the Musical as Phil Connors – the cynical TV weatherman who finds himself caught in a time loop when sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

Andy Karl originated the role of Phil at London’s Old Vic Theatre before also going on to perform the role on Broadway and in its return season at The Old Vic earlier this year. He won an Olivier Award and was nominated for a Tony for the role.

Appearing alongside Andy Karl will be Helpmann award-winning performer Elise McCann as Rita Hanson. Completing the cast will be Afua Adjei, Grant Almirall, Kaya Byrne, Kate Cole, Rachel Cole, Benjamin Colley, Andrew Coshan, Andrew Dunne, Madison Green, Matthew Hamilton, Matt Hourigan, Michael Lindner, Etuate Lutui, Conor Neylon, Ashleigh Rubenach, Jacob Steen, Connor Sweeney, Alison Whyte, Tim Wright and Kate Yaxley.

Groundhog Day will play Melbourne's Princess Theatre from January 24, 2024.

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

This means that Andy Karl will have played Phil Connors in every major production of this show. (Some US regional and foreign language non-replica productions featured a different Phil Connors.)

Australia relaxed its rules around the use of international talent in starring roles a few years ago, which is why the production is able to bring over Andy Karl (and why Owen Teale is currently appearing as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol in Melbourne). I would guess that MEAA (Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance), the Australian version of Actors Equity, probably isn't too happy about this as it makes it harder to cast locals in key roles. Though having seen Karl in Groundhog Day in London, I have to say Melbourne is in for a treat. Karl (and with due respect to the other performers) absolutely carries the show. He's fantastic.