West Side Story cast - Billy Bourchier and Nina Korbe Credit: Daniel Boud
West Side Story cast - Billy Bourchier and Nina Korbe
Opera Australia (OA) has announced that two exciting young Australian performers will lead the 2024 cast as Tony and Maria when its smash-hit musical production of West Side Story returns to the iconic Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage for a limited 4-week season, opening 22 March.
Award-winning First Nations soprano Nina Korbe will make her professional theatrical debut as Maria while Tony will be played by Canberra-born tenor Billy Bourchier, following his multi-city run in OA’s highly acclaimed production of Miss Saigon.
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.
This electrifying, larger-than-life production of West Side Story premiered in 2019 to rapturous acclaim and remains the most successful of all Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour productions.
Featuring nightly fireworks and a live orchestra, and performed on Australia’s largest outdoor stage with sweeping city and harbour views, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has become a quintessential Sydney cultural experience.
Nina Korbe is fiercely passionate about the representation of First Nations artists in the creative industries. She is a proud Koa, Kuku Yalanji, Wakka Wakka woman and actively involved in the championing of First Nations voices.
Nina recently joined Queensland Youth Orchestra as their Artist in Residence and Opera Queensland as a Young Artist. She has also performed in concert with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
She holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the Queensland Conservatorium and recently graduated from the Master of Arts program at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Nina is the recipient of the Harold Blair Opera Scholarship and the Ruskin Opera Scholarship with Melba Opera Trust.
Billy Bourchier was first introduced to theatre in Canberra. After cutting his teeth in several productions in the local region, Billy relocated to Brisbane to study at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, graduating in 2014 with Academic Excellence.
The role of Tony will mark Billy’s lead role debut in a major musical directly following performances in the ensemble, and cover for Chris, in OA’s acclaimed Miss Saigon at Sydney Opera House, Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre and Adelaide’s Festival Theatre. Other previous credits include Candide, The Pirates of Penzance, Les Misérables (Australia and International), The Last Five Years and The Book of Mormon.
Further to these productions, Billy has performed alongside the likes of Jemma Rix, John Foreman and The Queensland Symphony Orchestra and in 2020, Billy developed and performed in his own cabaret show The Corner of Brisbane & Broadway. Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is supported by the NSW Government, via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, and through the International Foundation for Arts and Culture as Naming Rights Partner, Dr Haruhisa Handa OA’s Patron in Chief, and OA’s Principal Partner HSBC.
West Side Story cast - Billy Bourchier Credit: Daniel Boud
West Side Story cast - Billy Bourchier
West Side Story cast - Billy Bourchier Credit: Daniel Boud
West Side Story cast - Billy Bourchier
West Side Story cast - Nina Korbe Credit: Daniel Boud
West Side Story cast - Nina Korbe
West Side Story cast - Nina Korbe Credit: Daniel Boud
West Side Story cast - Nina Korbe
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – West Side Story: 22 March – 21 April 2024 Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney
Creatives
Director Francesca Zambello
Set Designer Brian Thomson AM
Costume Designer Jennifer Irwin
Lighting Designer John Rayment
Musical Director Guy Simpson
Sound Designer Des O’Neill
Cast
Maria Nina Korbe
Tony Billy Bourchier
WEST SIDE STORY
Based on a conception of JEROME ROBBINS
Book by ARTHUR LAURENTS
Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN
Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Entire Original Production Directed and Choreographed by JEROME ROBBINS
Originally produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince
By Arrangement with Roger L. Stevens
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).
Media Resources: Downloadable images and video available at https://opera.org.au/about/media-centre/
Media enquiries
Janet Glover | Communications Manager | + 61 412 601 816 janet.glover@opera.org.au
Caitlin Eames | Publicist | + 61 433 746 644 | caitlin.eames@opera.org.au
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Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
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Destination NSW has teamed up with the popular YouTube channel Yes Theory, with its impressive 9.2 million subscribers, and Qantas, to fulfil 102-year-old San Franciso local, Dorothy Smith’s lifelong dream of visiting Sydney, Australia, completing her remarkable journey to every continent in the world.
Yes Theory producers Ammar Kandil and Staffan Taylor first met Dorothy in October 2024 when they moved into The Redwoods Retirement Village for 48 hours. Moved by Dorothy’s heartfelt regret of not yet reaching her final frontier, Australia, Ammar and Staffan felt compelled to help her complete this remarkable journey.
Reflecting on her motivation to travel and time in Sydney, Dorothy shared, "Travel is important to me because it’s a big world, and each country is different and has something different to offer; I want to see them all and I don’t want to miss anything!
“I loved visiting Sydney; it’s a beautiful city. The people are charming, the food is good, the scenery is just wonderful, and even the weather is nice! We saw the little koala bears, of course the Sydney Opera House, we went to the Botanic Gardens, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, good restaurants, and the lovely Bondi Beach where we got our feet a little wet and the water was really cold! And the people – they are all so nice, and so friendly!”
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
#feelnewsydney
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
A living link to history, Dorothy is more than twice the age of the Sydney Opera House. In 1922, the year she was born, the NSW Government passed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act, laying the foundation for the construction of the iconic bridge. Today, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of Australia’s resilience and connection to the world—a fitting backdrop for Dorothy’s own journey of exploration and discovery.
With Qantas’s support, Dorothy embarked on her adventure to Sydney in comfort, and received an exclusive invite to the cock-pit to meet the pilot, before she was warmly welcomed at Sydney Airport with personalised displays and a crowd of Yes Theory fans eager to celebrate her arrival. Her stay at the luxurious Shangri-La Sydney became a “home away from home,” offering Dorothy the chance to wake up to the breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera House—a landmark she had always dreamed of seeing firsthand.
Ammar Kandil, co-founder of Yes Theory, was driven to support her adventure saying, “Dorothy’s story is a powerful reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and we’re incredibly happy to help her achieve this lifelong dream to visit Sydney and tick of Australia as her seventh and final continent.
“Our mantra is ‘seek discomfort’ and embrace adventure, and Dorothy’s journey truly embodies the spirit of our channel. Her incredible story is set to inspire millions around the world to pursue their own adventures, no matter the obstacles.”
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
#feelnewsydney
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
#feelnewsydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
Dorothy’s time in Sydney has been nothing short of iconic, filled with experiences that capture the heart of NSW. Her itinerary included:
- An afternoon cruising on Sydney Harbour, marvelling at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House
- An up-close encounter with Australian wildlife at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, where Dorothy met koalas, and even a kangaroo named Dorothy.
- A tour of the Sydney Opera House adding yet another milestone to her journey.
- A visit to the iconic Bondi Beach, where Dorothy enjoyed splashing her feet in the waves and seeing one of the world’s most famous beaches.
And Dorothy’s secret to a long, healthy life? “You have to exercise, you have to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and stay hydrated. And also, FUN! You have to have fun so you’ll stay healthy, and you can also enjoy 102 years! And if there’s anything else you want to try, go ahead and try it!”
To follow Dorothy’s journey and see Sydney through her remarkable perspective, check out Yes Theory’s latest video at youtube.com/@YesTheory.
For inspiration for your own Sydney adventure, visit sydney.com
Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
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Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
#feelnewsydney
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.