Cody Simpson is making headlines as he embarks on what many are calling a surprising new chapter after his swimming career. Once the golden boy of the Australian swimming team and now stepping away from the sport, Simpson is preparing to hit the stage as the lead role of Sky Masterton in the iconic musical Guys and Dolls.
Opera Australia has officially announced Simpson's casting, marking his much-anticipated Australian musical theatre debut. At just 27 years old, Simpson's transition from swimming to the performing arts follows his recent decision not to compete for the Australian Olympic team. After falling short of making the cut for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Simpson appears ready to shift his focus back to his roots in show business.
The musical itself, revered as one of the greatest comedies ever written, boasts five Tony Awards and has been cherished by audiences since its launch. Following its success on Broadway and its adaptation for film featuring legends like Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra, Guys and Dolls has become synonymous with theatrical excellence. Now, Simpson will take on the formidable task of stepping where these icons once stood.
Simpson has expressed his passion for the musical, stating, "The role of Sky has always been one of my dream stage roles ever since I was first introduced to the story and soundtrack of Guys and Dolls." He recalls his teenage years when he first developed a love for musical theatre, which aligns perfectly with the retro aesthetic he admires. "I’m drawn to the 1940’s-50’s era, the music, the style, the fashion," he adds, indicating his admiration for the crooners of the period, particularly Frank Sinatra.
Springing from his beginnings on YouTube, where he gained initial fame posting cover songs, Simpson has come full circle with his artistic ambitions. His prior achievements include signing an international record deal at 14 and collaborating with Justin Bieber on concert tours, which only heightened his celebrity status. Yet, his ambitions led him to the swimming pool where he trained rigorously. His effort culminated with participation as part of Australia’s 2022 Commonwealth Games team.
Musically, Simpson isn't completely new to the theatre world—before his return to swimming, he made his Broadway debut as Dmitry in Anastasia back in 2018. This theatrical background, coupled with his long-standing passion for performing, gives him some stage experience, even if his main focus had been on swimming.
His decision to switch gears back to performing arts follows significant insights and experiences from his swimming career. Reflecting on his time as a swimmer, Simpson shared, "I have no regrets after chasing my swimming dream. It was incredible. Now I’m excited and ready to embrace this new challenge." His partner, Olympic champion Emma McKeon, who supported him throughout his athletic endeavors, has also shown enthusiasm for Simpson's return to his entertainment roots.
Simpson's role as Sky Masterton isn’t just about honors and challenges; it also shapes the narrative of this musical. The production, directed by award-winning Shaun Rennie, promises to deliver dazzling dance numbers as well as plenty of laughs, all set against the beautifully created backdrop of New York City. The musical is set to run from March 21 to April 20, 2025, at the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, recognized as Australia’s largest outdoor stage. Fans are eagerly anticipating the performance, hoping to see how Simpson translates his previous musical enthusiasm and his unique flair for performance onto the stage.
His past performances and upcoming musicals don’t just signify the next step for Cody Simpson as “Singer-Swimmer” to “Singer-Actor” but could instead spark broader discussions about talent diversification, mental health within competitive sports, and the life transitions we face when childhood dreams evolve.
Whether it’s basking under the lights of the stage or the reflection of the water, Simpson emerges as both focused and fearless, eager to introduce his talents to audiences hungry for fresh interpretations of classic roles.
With Guys and Dolls on the horizon, Simpson’s leap signifies not just his passion for performing arts but also serves as encouragement for others facing transitions and pursuing lifelong dreams.
