THE VOICE BEHIND THE STARS

Australian actress and singer Eliza Jackson stars in the acclaimed cabaret which tells the story of Marni Nixon, the most prolific ghost singer of all time. Dubbing for over 50 Hollywood films, she was the singing voice for stars including Audrey Hepburn, Deborah Kerr, Natalie Wood and Marilyn Monroe.

Jackson explained that it was her mother who came up with the idea for her to write a show about Marni and as soon as she started looking into this incredible woman’s life, she knew she had to do it.

“It’s fun and nostalgic. It will take you back to another time and place. The show mainly focuses on Marni’s life in the 50s and 60s, her busiest time as a ghost singer. But we actually look into her whole life, from childhood to her death in 2016.”

In a classic story of old Hollywood, Marni Nixon had to sign her life away. She was forbidden from telling anyone who or what films she sang on. Some of the films included My Fair Lady, The King And I and West Side Story. An interview with Deborah Kerr led to her story being uncovered.

And what songs can audiences expect to hear? “Well I can tell you some of the big ones – I Could’ve Danced All Night, Whistle a Happy Tune, I Feel Pretty….and that’s all I can say I’m afraid! A big part of the fun of the show is the shock the audience feels when I start a new song and I wouldn’t want to spoil it!”

Jackson said there’s something in this show for everybody, especially musical lovers. “The most wonderful thing about Marni is that she dubbed for such huge stars in such blockbuster hits that almost everyone knows the songs. Also, there is a lot of juicy gossip in the show and it exposes the truth behind some of the world’s most loved movie musicals.” (MMo)

Jan 23-24. Seymour Centre, City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale. $35-$40+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.seymourcentre.com