THE WRITERS
The Willis Twins have had an obsession with the great Harry Houdini since they first saw the Tony Curtis movie when they were just ten years old.
For Geoff and David, writing The Great Houdini is a life-long dream that has finally come to fruition.
Geoff (seated) & David Willis
signing the contract with
Hal Leonard Australia.
David Willis – Author
David Willis with famous
author and celebrity,
John Michael Howson
David Willis is an accomplished musician, actor, music director and educator. He has had a very successful teaching career as Director of Music in Victorian, NSW and Queensland private and state schools. He was co-founder of the Australian Children’s Choir and for many years, as principal and owner of the Australian Talent School, was singing teacher to the stars.
As an actor, David has starred in many plays including Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor. He has also appeared on TV in The Sullivan and Something Stupid with Magda Szubanski. David also starred in two recent Australian movies, The Mission Priest and Life Class.
David is thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with his twin brother, Geoff on this mammoth and rewarding project. He is also excited about some of their other ventures including Oprah the Opera and Billie and the Dinosaurs.
Geoff Willis – Composer & Lyricist
Geoff with dog, Chloe
Geoff Willis has been passionate about his music since he and his twin brother David first started singing in harmony at the age of five.
A highly skilled pianist, music arranger and composer, Geoff is currently travelling the world as resident pianist on luxury cruise ships, including Regent Seven Seas and Princess.
A former Director of Music in state and private schools in Melbourne and Queensland and co-founder of the Australian Children’s Choir, Geoff has an amazing ability to pass on his knowledge to students of all ages. As former principal of the Australian Talent School in Melbourne, Geoff helped hundreds of singers reach their full potential.
In 1996, having already composed more than 200 songs, Geoff began writing the music and lyrics for The Great Houdini musical.
It didn’t take long for Geoff to enlist the help of his twin brother David to write The Great Houdini script. “No-one else could have done it”, said Geoff. “We know each other too well!” Since then, he and David have worked together on Oprah the Opera and Billie and the Dinosaurs (in collaboration with famous TV celebrity and writer, Tim Ferguson).