Candy Man Returns to Sydney
Wayne Scott Kermond’s all dancing and all singing celebration of the life and music of Sammy Davis Jr.,Candy Man, returns to Sydney in October 2013, playing at the Riverside Theatre, Parramatta from October 10 – 13 for six shows only.
“I’m incredibly excited about sharing Candy Man with Riverside audiences, particularly after appearing in the recent production of Hairspray that was staged there. The audiences are so enthused and they have so much fun. I know they’re going to love this show,” says Candy Man star Wayne Scott Kermond.
Candy Man features an eight piece Big Band, a cast of musical theatre performers and a Youth Choir - set amongst Las Vegas nightclubs, concert halls, musicals and films and with a twist of Vaudeville, all of which characterized Sammy Davis Jr’s career.
This show promises an intimate insight into Sammy’s own struggle and triumph over his doubts and fears while also being two and half hours of pure entertainment.
Kermond’s inspiration for Candy Man dates back as far as 1986, when he was performing in Guys and Dolls.
“In 1986 I was cast in the Australian production of Guys & Dolls starring Nancye Hayes and the late great Ricky May. Sammy Davis was playing the Hilton Hotel circuit here in Australia, and he came along to see our show. The cast were all very excited and he came back stage after the performance to meet us. When he entered the Green Room he came straight over to me, shook my hand and said, ‘Man, you are one cool dancer. Keep it up, cos we need young cats like you, to take over from old cats like me.’ That’s all the inspiration I’ll ever need.”
Candy Man has all the songs that audiences around the world have sung along with including Mr Bojangles, Singin’ in the Rain, Rhythm of Life, What Kind of Fool Am I, Hey There, Candy Man and many more.
Wayne Scott Kermond grew up in a showbiz family and is a fourth generation performer. “Growing up in a showbiz family where entertainment was not just a business but a way of life I was surrounded and consequently inspired by ‘The Funny Guys – The Entertainers’. They were my childhood heroes.
“From my very own Grandfather, Gordon (Pop) and my uncles Normie & Tibby, who were billed as “The Kermond Brothers” and featured on the Tivoli Circuit with their “ Knock-About Act”, to my Mum & Dad’s Song & Dance Act that was part of the glamourous Variety Cabaret Era as they toured what was known back then as the “ Far East” and in Australia featured on Televison in many Variety Tonight Shows.”
Kermond was following in the song and dance footsteps of his idol from an early age.
“My mum Pamela would teach me to tap dance in the kitchen and made sure I knew all aboutFred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and the ultimate Song & Dance Man,Sammy Davis Jnr.
“This short, funny looking guy was a master of virtually every art of popular entertainment.He wasa virtuoso dancer, singer, musician and an impressionist of unnerving skill. He was Showbusiness—and that was for me!
“My Dad, Warrenhas Sammy’s complete record collection, and growing upI would listen to them over and over. There was something about Sammy’s singing style, he would tell the story of the song, he could engage you, the audience,and entertain you, talk to you as if he was in your own lounge room.
“He was a great entertainer who wanted the audience to look at him and see a man, and then somewhere along the way notice that the colour of his skin was black. He had the strengthto live by his own rules and when discrimated against he would not be taught to hate back. Sammy had so much against him,but he lived by the creed of ‘Yes I Can’.”
Producer Katie Kermond says, “Surprisingly even though Sammy and Wayne are vastly different men, their journeys have many parallels - both come from a Vaudeville background, both have always been the funny side-kick and not your classic leading man, and both have had to work hard to prove themselves and maybe that’s why both acquired that wonderful ability to communicate straight to the heart showing vulnerability and love.”
Wayne Scott Kermond has a myriad of musical theatre experience, and is the recipient of six MO Awards. He was recently honoured with a Green Room Award for “Actor in a Leading Role" up against a field in the category including the Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush).
Candy Man gives Wayne the opportunity that he has long wished for to pay homage to the ultimate Song & Dance Man, Sammy Davis Jr.
“Sammy’s life in show business and mine are quite similar,” said Wayne "it’s kind of a story of parallels”.
Kermond Creative presents
Candy Man
Starring Wayne Scott Kermond
Riverside Theatre, Parramatta October 10 – 13
Tickets: $25-$59 Bookings 8839 3399 or
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