Catherine’s Column
“BEYOND EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT I WILL BE JOINING THE CAST OF 9 to 5 AS THE NEWLY SEPARTED NEW RECRUIT JUDY BERNLY.’’ “I CANNOT WAIT.’’
Casey Donovan THE SENSATIONAL SMASH-HIT MUSICAL 9 to 5……..
was inspired by the 1980 hit film of the same name. The musical tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy, three enterprising workmates, who are pushed to the edge by their egotistical and mean-spirited supervisor Franklin-Hart Junior. Casey will play the part of Judy Berny, a newly separated, never worked before young woman who finds more than just a job at Consolidated Industries. The part was originally played by mega star Jane Fonda in the movie. CASEY DONOVAN shot to fame after winning the second season of Australian Idol in 2004, she was sixteen when she won the competition, becoming the series’ youngest winner…………………
Casey has always had an interest in music, which subsequently led to her busking on the streets of Tamworth during the Country Music Festival at the tender age of ten.
Donovan comes from an Indigenous family of musicians. Her father, is a member of country band The Donovans, along with his brothers. After winning Australian Idol, Casey went on to achieve enormous success as a singer, songwriter, actress and author. Her acting credits include, the role of Cynthia in the 2010 musical stage production “The Sapphires. Killer Queen in the 2016 stage production of “We will rock You’’ and “Mama Morton’’ in the 2019 Australian musical revival “Chicago’’ which was critically acclaimed. In 2017, Donovan won the third series of The Australian version of “I’m a Celebrity….Get me out of here.’’ Q & A WITH CASEY DONOVAN...
B&L: Congratulations on your new gig 9 to 5, are you excited?
CASEY: I am beyond excited.
B&L: What is it about the show that you love?
CASEY : I love everything about the show, the show was way ahead of its time, and I love that it highlights the empowerment of women and the way we have evolved. B&L: Are you happy about being cast as Judy?
CASEY: My family are immensely proud of me, they are my rocks. B&L: Are there any other family members in the music industry? CASEY: Yes there is music on both sides. B&L: Can you name a career high?
CASEY:There have been many highlights, however
I am proud to have grown into the woman I am now. B&L: Do you have any regrets.
CASEY: I don’t live life with regrets.
B&L: Who do you admire in the business?
CASEY: Aretha Franklin, Tina Arena and Vanessa Amorossi.
B&L: Are you happy that you entered Australian Idol and what motivated you to enter the competition?
B&L: My stepfather Norm entered me into the competition. He actually gave me an ultimatum, because he was paying for me to attend The Australian Institute of Music in Sydney. B&L: What is on the agenda for Casey Donovan in the future? CASEY: When I have completed my commitment
CASEY: Yes of course, I love that it follows the growth of Judy as an empowered woman.
on 9 to 5, I will tour Vic, NSW and Qld with my “BluesDay Tuesday Tour.
CASEY: I may have gone down the beauty and makeup path.
CASEY: “Give it a go’’ ask questions and go to pubs and immerse yourself in the music scene.
B&L: Since winning Australian Idol in 2004, your career has gone from strength to strength. If you had not succeeded in this industry, what was your second choice as a career?
B&L: What advice would you give to aspiring artists, who would like to enter showbiz?
B&L: Are your family supportive of your career?
INTERVIEW COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO
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AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
