CAST
MADAME GIRY
Maria Mercedes
As Luisa Contini in John Deidrich’s production of Nine, Maria Mercedes established herself as one of Australia’s leading ladies with a voice that pours straight from the soul, a powerful stage presence and dramatic talent that is matched only by her exhaustive body of work. Superlatives such as “MERCEDES MAGIC”' and “MAGNIFICENT MARIA” have been used by critics to describe her talent time and time again. Her career as an actress / singer has now spanned over 30 years, encompassing television, film, cabaret, concerts, recordings, stage & her big love… musical theatre.
Maria received critical acclaim for her performance in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, playing the role of Norma Desmond, with Trevor Nunn personally sending his congratulations. Maria has also starred as Grizabella in CATS, Svetlana in Chess, Sophie Lenz in Jim Sharman’s Shadow & Splendor, Mama Morton in Chicago, Miss Sherman in Fame, Liza, Barbara and Chita in the spoof Forbidden Broadway, The World Goes Around featuring the songs of Kander & Ebb, Zorba The Greek, Gypsy, The Vagina Monologues, and Seriously – The Pet Shop Boys Reinterpreted, an original Australian concept by Dean Lotherington and David Knox with a season in both Melbourne & The Edinburgh Festival in Scotland. Maria was also the first woman in the world to play 'Frankenfurter ' in The Rocky Horror Show.
Her film credits include her compelling work in the acclaimed films Dreams for Life (2005), Head On (1998), Patrick (1978), and lead roles in major Australian television productions including Homicide, Division 4, Bluey, Special Squad, Cop Shop, Patrol Boat, Prisoner, Inside Running, Pugwell, Cody, E Street, Thunderstone, Whipping Boy, Neighbours and Greeks on the Roof. Most recently she was seen as Dora in the SBS series KICK.
Maria is thrilled to be performing in her third Andrew Lloyd Webber production and to be working with Simon Phillips. It is a dream come true. She would like to dedicate her performance to her late father George, Neil, her family, the Moutsidis’s, her agent Liz Ellis & her partner Trent, all who have been her champions in her life & her career.
Maria’s talents have been recognized by a Mo Award, an Aria Award for Nine – Original Australian Soundtrack, and nominations for both the Green Room Awards and the Sydney Theatre Critics Award. Her role as Elena in Dreams for Life earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a leading role at The Cypress International Film Festival. In the 80’s she toured the rock circuit with her band King Hit.
Maria has made guest appearances on every iconic television variety programme including Young Talent Time, Graham Kennedy’s IMT, The Don Lane Show, Good Morning Australia with Bert Newton, The Midday Show with Ray Martin & Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Bandstand, The Mike Walsh Show, Countdown, The AFI Awards and Hey Hey It’s Saturday.
Maria is thrilled to be performing in her third Andrew Lloyd Webber production and to be working with Simon Phillips. It is a dream come true. She would like to dedicate her performance to her late father George, Neil, her family, the Moutsidis’s, her agent Liz Ellis & her partner Trent, all who have been her champions in her life & her career.
