Producers Opera Australia and John Frost for Crossroads Live today announced that renowned Australian soprano Claire Lyon will star as Eliza Doolittle in the upcoming 70th Anniversary season of the much-loved musical My Fair Lady.
Based on Julie Andrews’ 2016 production, My Fair Lady will premiere at the Sydney Opera House in September before a season at Arts Centre Melbourne opening in November.
“I am delighted to welcome Claire to this production of My Fair Lady. I send warm wishes to her and know she will make a superb contribution to this beautiful musical. My thoughts are also with my friends in Australia many
Claire Lyon said “Being cast as Eliza in Julie Andrews’ production of My Fair Lady is really beyond words. It is one of the biggest female roles ever written and to be stepping into Julie’s shoes, so to speak, is a huge honour. There is no bigger icon than Julie Andrews!”
“On top of this, it feels quite serendipitous that it was this very musical where I made my professional debut in the ensemble, in Opera Australia’s 2008 production. I feel like I’m ‘coming home’. I am so excited and can’t wait to step into the rehearsal room and onto the Sydney Opera House stage this September!” she added.
Claire is a celebrated Australian actress, singer and recording artist, best known for her portrayal of Christine Daaé in the world tour of The Phantom of the Opera.
As a principal artist with Opera Australia Claire has performed roles at the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne, including Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes, Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro and Ida in Die Fledermaus.
Other lead roles include Miss Dorothy Brown in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, Claire in Jerry’s Girls (all with The Production Company) and Josephine in H.M.S Pinafore (Melbourne Opera Company). Under the direction of Cameron Menzies, Claire starred as Musetta in La Bohème for the City of Stonnington’s Opera in the Park (2019) and Cinderella in West Australian Opera’s production of Into the Woods (2023).
Australian national tours include an ensemble role in the 2008 production of My Fair Lady (Opera Australia) and Love Never Dies (Really Useful Group). Claire toured with American superstar Josh Groban, as guest artist for his world tour Stages, and has been a soloist with Sydney Symphony and the Australian National Boys Choir.
In the role of Eliza Doolittle, considered one of musical theatre’s most coveted roles, Claire will join previously announced cast members who include a mix of some of Australia’s best new emerging performers and established musical theatre favourites, as well as Australian theatre icons making their return to this beloved musical.
Leading cast members returning to their highly acclaimed roles include Reg Livermore as Alfred P. Doolittle, Robyn Nevin as Mrs Higgins and Tony Llewellyn-Jones as Colonel Hugh Pickering.
Much-loved performer Anne Wood will play the role of Mrs Pearce and Freddy Hellier will make his mainstage musical theatre debut as Freddy Eynsford-Hill.
The Ensemble cast includes Anton Berezin, Eleanor Blythman, Devon Braithwaite, Rachel Cole, Natasha Dumlao, Blake Erickson, Peter Ho, Anthony Garcia, Matt Heyward, Tisha R. Kelemen, Genevieve Kingsford, Naomi Livingston, Madeleine Mackenzie, Kassie Martin, Mary McCorry, Julia McRae, Oscar Mulcahy, Tom New, Lachlan O’Brien, Morgan Palmer, Matthew Predny, Suzanne Steele, Natasha Veselinovic and Sam Ward. Swings include Andrew Broadbent, Deborah Caddy, Ellie Nunan and David Sirianni.
A casting announcement for the key role of Professor Henry Higgins will be made in the coming weeks.