ANYONE familiar with Australian rock ’n’ roll groups of the1970s and 1980s will remember Rick Springfield and his catchy pop songs like 1972’s Speak to the Sky and Jessie’s Girl, a number one hit in 1981.
Now, Sydney actor Jackson Carroll, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Springfield, will front the stage at The Shed theatre at the Pig & Whistle in Main Ridge on 14 May as part of the touring show Late, Late At Night.
From 1969 to 1971, before going solo, Springfield was a member of Zoot, alongside Daryl Cotton, Beeb Birtles and Roger Hick.
But there is so much more to this Australian music legend, who was one of the first Australia singing stars to find success overseas when he moved to the US early in the 1970s.
Long-time follower of his career and playwright, Keiran Carroll (no relation to Jackson), has written and produced the musical about Springfield’s career highlights, which includes selling $25 million in albums, acting in US soap General Hospital and a recent film with Meryl Streep.
Carroll says he was interested in Springfield’s music in the 70s and 80s but was fascinated to find a local connection.
“I was surprised when I found out Springfield had an aunty in Parkdale, and often used that house as a base for his return trips to Australia,” he said.
“My fascination with his life and career has grown over the years, he has had such a varied career and he’s still performing now into his 70s in America.
“He is as relevant today as he was at the height of his fame, we just don’t hear a lot about it over here.”
Late, Late At Night is a two-act, 130-minute musical play about the life of the Grammy award winning musician and actor.
Carroll said the production was an adaptation of Springfield’s autobiography with staging rights granted to him by Springfield and his management.
The production features 20 Springfield compositions across his, 50-year career. Tickets from TryBooking Australia.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 10 May 2022
