Opera soprano Joanna Cole has been cast to play Blessed Mary MacKillop, in MacKillop, a musical that has been 10 years in the making. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Cole is well qualified for the role, having been educated by Josephite nuns in Sydney from kindergarten to year 10.
"At the age of four at St Luke's in Revesby, Sister Moira asked me to sing for the Mother General," she is quoted saying. "She then told my mother, "Your daughter has perfect pitch.' I wouldn't be where I am now in my career if it were not for those nuns."
"We have so many great role models in Australia, in the arts, movies and sport and now we have a spiritual role model."
The show opens in Sydney on October 1.
SIC: CTHAUS