Geoffrey Rush aboard "kick-arse" Oz musical

By Pip Bulbeck

SYDNEY (Hollywood Reporter) - Geoffrey Rush is adding missionary priest to his resume, signing on to the cast of the indigenous musical "Bran Nue Dae," producers said Monday.

Rush will co-star with aboriginal actor Ernie Dingo and Australian musicians Missy Higgins and Dan Sultan in what he calls a "kick-arse road movie." Set in Broome in tropical northwest Australia, the film is a coming-of-age musical comedy that celebrates family, forgiveness and aboriginal reconciliation.

Rachel Perkins, who also adapted Jimmy Chi's creation for the screen, is directing.

Rush who won an Oscar for his lead role in "Shine," was in theatres last year with "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter