Australian stars shine in west side story on Sydney Harbour

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Opera Australia (OA) has revealed that the 2024 cast for its sensational musical production of West Side Story at the iconic Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will be led by two dynamic young Australian performers. Nina Korbe, an award-winning First Nations soprano, will make her professional theatrical debut as Maria, while Canberra-born tenor Billy Bourchier, known for his role in OA’s acclaimed Miss Saigon, will take on the role of Tony. The limited 4-week season is set to open on March 22.

Opera Australia’s Artistic Director Jo Davies said “We are so excited to have these two fabulous Australian talents lead this production, audiences are going to be thrilled by their talent and energy on stage.”

“We want to be an opera company for, and reflective of, 21st century Australia. The full cast, which we’ll announce soon, features a diverse range of extraordinary talents drawn from both the opera and musical theatre worlds, who we know will brilliantly bring Bernstein’s masterpiece to life,” she said.

The electrifying production of West Side Story, which premiered in 2019, garnered widespread acclaim and stands as the most successful among Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour productions. The show features nightly fireworks, a live orchestra, and is performed on Australia’s largest outdoor stage with breathtaking city and harbor views, offering a quintessential Sydney cultural experience.

Nina Korbe, a proud Koa, Kuku Yalanji, Wakka Wakka woman, is dedicated to promoting the representation of First Nations artists. She has an extensive musical background, having recently joined the Queensland Youth Orchestra and Opera Queensland as their Artist in Residence and Young Artist, respectively.

Billy Bourchier, whose theatrical journey began in Canberra, has demonstrated his talent in various productions, including a multi-city run in OA’s Miss Saigon. The role of Tony marks his lead role debut in a major musical, showcasing his growth from ensemble performances. Bourchier has also collaborated with renowned artists and performed in diverse productions.

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is supported by the NSW Government, Destination NSW, the International Foundation for Arts and Culture, Dr Haruhisa Handa (OA’s Patron in Chief), and HSBC (OA’s Principal Partner). The production is set to run from March 22 to April 21, 2024, at Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney.

The creative team includes Director Francesca Zambello, Set Designer Brian Thomson AM, Costume Designer Jennifer Irwin, Lighting Designer John Rayment, Musical Director Guy Simpson, and Sound Designer Des O’Neill. The cast features Nina Korbe as Maria and Billy Bourchier as Tony.

West Side Story is based on a conception by Jerome Robbins, with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The entire original production was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins and was originally produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince. The production is licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).

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