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What's Happening AT JRP?

Pair back as The Heights to return to Sydney

Ryan Gonzalez and Olivia Vasquez will star in musical In The Heights. Picture: Daniel Boud

Kelly Parnell - The Sunday Telegraph - 05/05/2024

Olivia Vasquez and Ryan Gonzalez met while performing the Lin-Manuel Miranda musical In The Heights back in 2018 – and the pair has been longing for it to return.

Now The Sunday Telegraph can exclusively reveal it is – playing in the Sydney Opera House on a limited run, from July 20 to August 25.

“I feel like we manifested it,” says Olivia, 28.

In The Heights, the Hamilton creator’s breakthrough production, debuted on Broadway in 2008 and was a smash hit – nominated for 13 Tony Awards, it won four, including Best Musical.

The musical is a famously fun fusion of Latin American music and dance. Which is all perfect for Olivia and Ryan, who previously played lead characters Vanessa and Usnavi in a popular 2018 production at Sydney’s Hayes Theatre.

“We have a genuine, beautiful connection,” says Olivia. “I’m very excited to do Vanessa again.”

The film version attracted diversity controversy but Olivia and Ryan say they are proud of the casting in this production.

“This show is what Australia and Sydney needs right now. We have authentic casting and it’s about the Latino diaspora through the Australian lens. I feel really represented, which is a beautiful feeling,” says Olivia.

“Even since we did it in 2018, there have been changes behind the scenes, as well as casting. I’m really glad we’re able to share this story in 2024, the way it should be,” she says.

Tickets go on pre-sale on Tuesday, sydneyoperahouse.com

Joshua Robson Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co is thrilled to announce the talented cast members who will be joining the much anticipated production of Little Women at Hayes Theatre Co from 12 July. This beloved classic, based on Louisa May Alcott’s timeless novel, is set to captivate audiences with its poignant story and enchanting melodies. Tickets are available from www.hayestheatre.com.au

Leading the cast in the iconic role of Jo March is the dynamic Shannen Alyce Quan. Known for their recent portrayals as Oolie in City of Angels and originating the role of Maria in Metropolis at the Hayes, Quan brings a depth of emotion and charisma to the stage that promises to capture the adventurous spirit of this beloved character.

Joining Quan are several other outstanding performers who will portray the March family and their companions. Kaori Maeda-Judge (The Dismissal, The Hello Girls) will take on the role of Meg March. Molly Bugeja (Mary Poppins, West Side Story) will embody the sweetness and innocence of Beth March while Vitoria Hronopoulos (Laundry Shoot) will portray the vivacious and ambitious Amy March. Emily Cascarino (Mamma Mia, Wicked) will play the role of Marmee March while Tisha Kelemen makes her professional debut in the role of Aunt March. In his first appearance at Hayes Theatre Co, veteran actor Peter Carroll (Into the Woods, Les Misérables) will portray Mr Lawrence, with Tyran Stig (Friends! The Parody Musical) as Professor Bhaer and Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward (A Christmas Carol, The Great Comet) as Mr John Brooke. Maddy Betts (City of Angels) and Kurt Russo (Xanadu) complete the cast as Swings.

Director and choreographer is Amy Campbell (A Chorus Line, Once) whose bold creative vision promises to illuminate the enduring themes of family, love and personal growth that resonate throughout Alcott’s work. Music supervisor Laura Tipoki (Hamilton) and music director Gianna Cheung (The Dismissal) will bring the enchanting musical score to life with its melodic beauty and emotional resonance.

“What is exciting about this show in such an intimate and special venue is that there is nowhere to hide from the truth. You have to deliver the truth of this piece because the audience are onstage with you. The Hayes is the perfect venue to shape people’s ideas of what they think traditional shows are, and invited them to come and see what they can be.”

— Amy Campbell - Director/Choreographer

Little Women captures the essence of sisterhood, love, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. In a world where gender equality and the empowerment of young people are ongoing conversations, Little Women serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience of women throughout history. 

The March sisters’ triumphs and tribulations evoke the universal human experiences of love, loss and personal growth. Little Women is a celebration of the human spirit, reminding us that – no matter the era – the power of love, family and the pursuit of one’s passions will always resonate deeply within our hearts.

About Us

JOSHUA ROBSON PRODUCTIONS strive toward producing existing theatre pieces and also developing original and unique new works.

The company was started in 2014, formally known as Blue Saint Productions, with the hope of creating high quality and professionally operated productions, large and small. JOSHUA ROBSON PRODUCTIONS continues that tradition championing new and diverse Australian talent including directors, choreographers, music directors, musicians, crew and performers, with continued access to the wisdom and advice of key leaders in our industry.

Producer

Joshua Robson

Joshua graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Music Theatre in 2011. Since graduating from the VCA in 2011, Joshua has forged a highly successful career on stage, winning the Rob Guest Endowment Award in 2014.

Joshua most recently performed in the Hayes Theatre production of A Little Night Music as well as Victorian Opera’s production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Last year, he played the role of ‘Joh Fredersen’ in Metropolis (Little Eggs Collective) and prior to that, he starred as the titular role in The Phantom of the Opera with Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, for which he was nominated for Best Lead Performance in a Musical at the Sydney Theatre Awards.

Joshua has also toured nationally in Shrek the Musical (GFO), Muriel’s Wedding the Musical (Global Creatures), My Fair Lady (Opera Australia/GFO), Les Misérables (Cameron Mackintosh), Dream Lover: The Bobby Darin Musical (GFO) and King Kong: Live on Stage (Global Creatures).

Joshua is the proud director/ founder of Joshua Robson Productions. JRP has staged and toured productions of Guilty Pleasures, Violet, Songs for a New World, Bonnie & Clyde, the multi-award winning production of In the Heights and most recently, City of Angels.