John X proud to work alongside trio you’ve never heard of in Opera Australia production

John X is known to Tasmanians as a star of the stage. He’s excited to be performing with three Tasmanians many have not heard of in Guys and Dolls on Sydney Harbour.

John Xintalevonis, Sarah Bourke, Thomas Campbell and Matt Heyward. Guys & Dolls by Opera Australia in Sydney. Picture: Neil Bennett

Four creative Tasmanians are wooing audiences in Opera Australia’s spectacular production of Guys and Dolls on Sydney Harbour.

Actor John Xintavelonis says he’s proud to be working alongside the trio who have been working in the “top level of the industry for years but most people in Tasmania don’t know exist”.

“I think it’s important to be aware and recognise how many Tasmanians there are, who don’t necessarily have a profile like me back home, kicking major goals in the industry … because they left when they were young to go away and train, no one really knows who they are in the general public,” he said.

Thomas Campbell, who plays Lieutenant Brannigan, said it was his dream to be in a big commercial musical.

“What a completely brilliant way to do it — an original Australian production of one of our favourite shows on Sydney Harbour,” he said.

“In 1999 I was a part of Guys and Dolls at the Theatre Royal also with John.

“To be doing it again in Sydney 25 years later, with John, is truly a full circle moment.”

John Xintalevonis, Sarah Bourke, Thomas Campbell and Matt Heyward. Guys & Dolls by Opera Australia in Sydney. Picture: Neil Bennett

Sarah Bourke who is in the ensemble said it was a “tremendous honour” to be part of “this incredible company and production”.

“Performing on Sydney’s harbour, with the Opera House and harbour bridge as our backdrop, is an experience as rare as it will be unforgettable,” she said.

“The energy is electric, and my time with the show has already been filled with countless ‘pinch-me’ moments.”

Assistant director Matt Heyward said it was exciting to see the classic Broadway musical created by an all Australian team.

“It’s so rare in this country that we get to create something from scratch,” he said.

“For me personally, being on the creative team and working alongside some of the best creatives in the country is a dream come true.”

John Xintalevonis, Sarah Bourke, Thomas Campbell and Matt Heyward. Guys & Dolls by Opera Australia in Sydney. Picture: Neil Bennett

Xintavelonis, who is Harry the Horse, said audiences were being “blown away” by the stunning dance routines.

“The thing I am most excited about in this show, is the pure spectacle of it all, it’s unlike anything else in the world.

“For someone who has been born in Tasmania, raised in Tasmania, and still lives in Tasmania, to be able to be a part of a world class production and industry, over the last 20 years, is hopefully providing inspiration for anyone else whether they’re young or whether they’re my age, in their 50s, to strive to achieve their dream in musical theatre.

“It’s never too late”

Guys and Dolls runs until April 20.

Originally published as John X proud to work alongside trio you’ve never heard of in Opera Australia production