One wannabee Dorothy is being replaced by another in the Landor theatre’s production of Smokey Joe’s Café. Jessica Robinson will perform Stephanie Fearon’s role from 20 to 22 August, while Fearon recovers from a wrist operation.
Robinson, described by Andrew Lloyd Webber as “wonderful and quirky”, was within touching distance of a semi-final place in the recent search for a West End leading lady, Over The Rainbow, until she lost in a sing-off against eventual winner Danielle Hope.
Fearon, who is only taking a short hiatus from the production which has extended its run at the Landor theatre until 5 September, went one stage further than Robinson, but was eliminated in the Saturday evening show’s semi-final.
Smokey Joe’s Café, which opened at the Landor theatre in July, is a Tony-nominated musical set in the 1950s, showcasing the songs of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller including On Broadway, Jailhouse Rock and Stand By Me.
MA