Broadway Embraces Warlow

This is a guest article by Ian Phipps, who is currently in New York supporting our Australian talent.

Anthony Warlow as Daddy Warbucks 2012
Anthony Warlow as Daddy Warbucks in Australia, 2012

Anthony Warlow has made his long-awaited Broadway debut in the revival production of Annie, and his reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, even if some of the responses to the show have been lukewarm.

The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney wrote, “Perhaps the most distinguished element in this production, however, is Australian musical-theater and opera veteran Warlow's impressive Broadway debut as Daddy Warbucks”, while The Washington Post said, “Warlow proves to be an idea Warbucks, the warmth of the performance rising scene by scene.”

Associated Press claimed, “This Australian actor brings gravitas and a sumptuous voice to Warbucks” and Ben Brantley in the NY Times said he was “inflecting his songs with unexpected emotional variety.”

Word has spread quickly through the Broadway community since Annie began
previews four weeks ago at The Palace Theatre, so much so that last night

(November 8) on opening night, Warlow received rousing applause on his entrance – and not just from the Australians dotted throughout the audience.

Chatting the day before opening, Warlow said he felt embraced and very comfortable in the Broadway community and as part of the Annie cast, enjoying living in the Hell's Kitchen area of New York and walking to the theatre each night.

It's a good time for Australians on Broadway at the moment, with Caroline O'Connor beginning previews for A Christmas Story just a couple of blocks away from Warlow, prior to her starring turn early in 2013 in The Prince of Broadway. Rarely, if ever, have two major Broadway productions featured Aussies in lead roles.

Chookas for long and successful seasons to Anthony and Caroline!

zp8497586rq

Erin James

Erin James is AussieTheatre.com's former Editor in Chief and a performer on both stage and screen. Credits include My Fair Lady, South Pacific and The King and I (Opera Australia), Love Never Dies and Cats (Really Useful Group), Blood Brothers (Enda Markey Presents), A Place To Call Home (Foxtel/Channel 7) and the feature film The Little Death (written and directed by Josh Lawson).

Erin James

One thought on “Broadway Embraces Warlow

  • Not at all surprised that he’s been so well received with the voice and stage presence he brings to the theatre roles he portrays. Chookas, Mr Warlow!

Comments are closed.