Jekyll and Hyde "postponed"

The Gordon Frost Organisation and Opera Australia have announced that their new production of Jekyll and Hyde would be "postponed."

In a statement released this morning they stated that "With building interest from international co producers and the incredible scale of the production now evident, the producers have made the decision to delay the Australian season to ensure that this most magnificent reimagining of Jekyll and Hyde is given the time required for both its Australian Premiere and future international exposure.

"Ticket holders should contact Ticketmaster or Opera Australia for a refund."

The production was scheduled to open from 8 December, 2015 at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, followed by a season from 6 March, 2016 at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney.

The cast was to be led by Teddy Tahu Rhodes (Don Giovanni, South Pacific) in the tour de force title role. Jemma Rix, who was catapulted to stardom in the role of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) in the Australian production of Wicked, was to portray Lucy,

When announcements are made that productions are 'postphoned' it can mean that they will not go ahead at all.

It certainly would be out of character for GFO and Opera Australia to call off a production.

Industry insiders did raise eyebrows at the casting of the brilliant operatic baritone but less talented actor Teddy Tahu Rhodes as the lead.

Other challenges to the production were the realisation of a new set designed by Gabriela Tylesova.

Stage Whispers hopes the moment has just been postponed.