Gosford Musical Society will bring the story of Aussie rock legend Johnny O’Keefe to life once again after 19 years.
Last produced by the organisation in 2006, Shout! The Legend of the Wild One follows the Australian singer through his journey in the music industry, setting the groundwork for rock bands to come while touching on the struggles of mental health and drugs in the 1950s.
The latest production opens at the Laycock St Community Theatre on August 2.
Step into the fabulous 50s, swinging 60s, and rocking 70s to experience the passion, power and pulsating energy of the man who shook the Australian music world like no other.
From O’Keefe’s ground-breaking hit Shout! to She’s My Baby, audiences will be immersed in the unforgettable sounds that defined a generation.
Follow Australia’s “real wild child” from humble beginnings to international acclaim and feel the beat, the heat and magic of rock’n’roll in its purest form.
The show has a powerhouse cast, explosive choreography and a soundtrack that’ll have audiences dancing in the aisles.
This production sees the return of few familiar faces, with Adam Montgomery reprising his role as Lee Gordon.
Chris King has also made a comeback.
After directing the show in its last inception, this time he is on stage as JO’K’s father.
Leigh Collins takes the director’s reins for the first time in 20 years.
“It’s a thrill to be returning after almost 20 years since last directing for GMS,” Collins said.
“It’s exciting to be working with a young and vibrant cast, many of whom had not heard of JO’K, decades after his passing in 1978.
“It’s also a blast to be working on a story which carries music and a main character central to growing up in Sydney during the 50s, 60s and 70s – the time and location of my own childhood.
Mark Williams is musical director for the production, with choreography by Nicole Seggie and Jess Williams.
Shout! welcomes a cast of 34, two of them debuting in lead roles at Gosford.
Cody Swansbra, playing the icon himself, hopes to bring out the excitement and joy of Johnny O’Keefe to the stage.
“This role brings out a lot of emotions from his highs and lows in his career,” he said.
“I’m enjoying the challenges of showing all of this through acting.”
O’Keefe’s love interest, Marianne is played by Rachel Diver in her first lead role since moving from Ireland.
“I am loving playing a real life character and the era in which it’s set is the music I grew up to,” she said.
“My parents had an old record player, which I still have, and one of the records I played constantly as a child was Rock Around the Clock.”
Shout! The Legend of the Wild One hits the Laycock Street Theatre stage for 10 shows from August 2-17.
Tickets are on sale at the theatre or online by searching “Shout” at coastboxoffice.com
Attended dress rehearsal tonight. congratulations to all a great show