MARINA PRIOR

Marina’s first professional audition resulted in her first lead role - that of Mabel in the Victoria State Opera's THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE.  She was subsequently invited to perform the role of Guinevere opposite Richard Harris in CAMELOT.  She then went on to perform the characters of Jellylorum and Griddlebone in the Australian premiere production of CATS, Josephine in the Victoria State Opera's production of H.M.S. PINAFORE, Kathy in the Lyric Opera of Queensland's THE STUDENT PRINCE and Adele in the Victoria State Opera's concert version of DIE FLEDERMAUS.

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In 1987, Marina landed the role of Cosette in the Australian premiere of LES MISERABLES and at times appeared as Fantine in the same production.  During this run, she took time out to play Hope Harcourt in ANYTHING GOES.  Marina created the role of Christine Daae in the original Australian production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, which she performed for three years. Followingthis theatrical success, Marina went on to star in roles such as Maria in WEST SIDE STORY, Lily in THE SECRET GARDEN, Magnolia in SHOWBOAT, the title role of THE MERRY WIDOW, Miss Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS, Jane Smart in THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK , Belinda Blair in the hit comedy NOISES OFF, Mary O’Hara in HARP IN THE WILLOW, Annie Oakley in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and Lilli Vanessi in  KISS ME, KATE.

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A critically acclaimed Australasian concert tour with international tenor, José Carreras, remains one of the many highlights of Marina’s career.  Other concert engagements include performances with the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra,  Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra,  Queensland Symphony Orchestra and, more recently, featured in concert with AUSTRALIA’S LEADING LADIES.

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Marina is also well known on Australian television through her appearances on variety shows such as GOOD MORNING AUSTRALIA and CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT.   Amongst her television credits, Marina appeared as a guest lead in the award winning ABC Television series, G.P.

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Marina has recorded three CDs accompanied by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Leading Lady (which reached platinum status), Aspects of Andrew Lloyd Webber (whichreached gold status and received an ARIA nomination) and Somewhere – The Songs of Sondheim and Bernstein.

She has received numerous awards including three MO Awards, three Green Room Awards, and the Advance Australia Award for her contribution to the performing arts. In 1999, Marina was guest of honour for the television program THIS IS YOUR LIFE which paid tribute to her career so far.

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Most recently, Marina performed the role of Rona Lisa Peretti in the Melbourne Theatre Company’s production of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE.