Amanda Harrison

Amanda Harrison is an Australian stage actress and singer who is currently originating the role of Elphaba in the Melbourne production of the musical "Wicked"cite news | title=Wicked's record breaking night | publisher=AussieTheatre | url=http://www.aussietheatre.com/wicked/news.htm | date=2008-02-13 ] .

In her youth, Harrison attended Menai High School in Sydney's Sutherland Shire. Harrison attended short courses at the local Actors Centre and spent six weeks at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, but otherwise had no formal vocal training [http://www.brianmay.com/queen/wwry/OZ/diaries/amandaharrison.html Amanda Harrison diaries, entry June 29 2003] - We Will Rock You official website] . Her first professional stage role was in "Aspects of Love" as Jenny in 1993. Other Australian productions she has been in include "Sunset Boulevard", "Les Misérables", "The Journey Girl", "Mame", "The Boy from Oz", "Guys and Dolls" and "Leader Of The Pack – The Ellie Greenwich Musical".

Harrison has also performed in London's West End, as part of the ensemble of "Mamma Mia!" and "We Will Rock You". For the latter, she understudied for the main roles of Scaramouche and Meat. Due to her experience in the West End production, Harrison was offered the role of Oz in the original Melbourne production of the musical. For her portrayal of Oz, Harrison received a Helpmann Award nomination for Best Female Artist in a Lead Role.

In 2007 to early 2008, Harrison played the role of Ellen in limited-season Brisbane and Sydney production of "Miss Saigon".

On the 27 September 2008 she performed with Australian peformer Lucy Durack at the 2008 AFL Grand Final.

External links

*imdb name|2282415
* [http://www.wickedthemusical.com.au/wicked/index.html Wicked Australia Official website]
* [http://www.miss-saigonaustralia.com.au/Cast.aspx Miss Saigon Perth cast] - Official websiteAmanda attended high school at Menai High School in Sydney's Sutherland Shire

References