Sainted Pope a hard act to follow
Pope (now Saint) John Paul II is a hard act to follow for Drouin actor John Molden.
The 22-year-old plays the part of the Pope from childhood to his death in 2005, aged 84, in a new production John Paul 2 the Musical.
The musical, a production of the COG Theatre Group, premieres in Melbourne on September 21.
Mr Molden, who recently graduated from the Film & Television Studio International in Melbourne, says the most challenging aspect is playing a man so well known and beloved by so many people.
“I want people to be happy with the way I play him.”
A former student of Flinders Christian Community College in Traralgon, he is not a Catholic but says he has great respect for John Paul, who was Pontiff from 1978 – before Mr Molden was born – until his death in 2005.
“I really do admire him. He was a very humble man and also an actor and playwright in his early life. I found that interesting.
“He was the most successful Pope out of all his predecessors – I feel I need to do him justice.”
John Paul 2 The Musical is at Renaissance Theatre, 823 High Street, Kew, at 7pm nightly from September 21-24 and at 1pm on September 24.
Tickets are $35 for adults, $20 concession, and available at www.trybooking.com/KPEK