Imaginatively conceived, ingeniously written and lavishly produced Muriel’s Wedding is surely the most impressive original musical ever created in Australia. Brimming with imagination, inspiration and joy, Muriel’s Wedding is compulsory viewing for all lovers of musical theatre.
FROM DOWN UNDER: West Side Story – Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour
A brilliant choice for the first musical to be presented as the annual Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, West Side Story is given lavish, large scale treatment in what is essentially a highly respectful, traditional production.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Australian Ballet’s Cinderella
As witty as it is romantic, the Australian Ballet’s characterful production of Cinderella makes an unplanned yet very welcome return visit to Melbourne, showcasing the glorious partnership of married principal artists Ako Kondo and Chengwu Guo.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Jersey Boys in Melbourne
Newcomers to Jersey Boys are sure to enjoy the memorable music and terrific stage talent. Those who have seen the show (possible more than once) may be harder to coax back, but the performance of Ryan Gonzalez is certainly a compelling attraction.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Harry Potter & The Cursed Child in Melbourne
Far from a mere indulgence in nostalgia, or, worse, a cynical money grab, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a compelling, amusing, intriguing and affecting play, featuring ingeniously creative staging that surpasses what could previously be described as world class.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Victorian Opera’s Parsifal
In presenting this long overdue Melbourne premiere season of Parsifal, Victorian Opera gives Wagner’s final opera an intelligently conceived, splendidly-performed production.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Melbourne Theatre Company’s The Lady in the Van review
Melbourne Theatre Company begins the new year with a showcase for revered actress Miriam Margolyes who takes on the cantankerous title character in Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Melbourne Opera’s The Flying Dutchman
With confidence and polish that cover all aspects of production, Melbourne Opera takes on another Wagner opera The Flying Dutchman with further success.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Peter Pan Goes Wrong in Melbourne
With physical humour, highbrow theatrical humour, lowbrow theatrical humour, musical theatre moments, live stunts and more, Peter Pan Goes Wrong is highly recommended for fun-loving families of all ages.
‘Fresh, funny & altogether fabulous’: COMPANY – West End
Exemplifying the meaning of the term “revival”, Marianne Elliott delivers a brand new take on classic concept musical Company that is fresh, funny and altogether fabulous.
FROM DOWN UNDER: The Australian Ballet’s Coppélia – Touring
The Australian Ballet continues their cleverly conceived Storytime Ballet series with Coppélia, an ideal first ballet for young audiences.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Rent in Melbourne
Youthful energy and intelligent direction burn brightly in this exhilarating new production of evergreen modern classic Rent in Melbourne.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Opera Australia’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
The sterling result of the determined and loving labours of countless talents, Opera Australia’s Melbourne presentation of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg is a shimmering musical and visual treat, with added interest coming from some intriguing directorial choices.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Mandy Patinkin in Concert in Melbourne
On an ordinary Sunday, Melbourne theatregoers were treated to the extraordinary talent Broadway legend Mandy Patinkin.
FROM DOWN UNDER: School of Rock the Musical in Melbourne
It’s Melbourne’s turn to climb to the top of Mount Rock, as feel-good phenomenon School of Rock makes its blistering Australian debut.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Opera Australia’s La Bohème in Melbourne
In its third Melbourne appearance, Opera Australia’s splendid 2011 production of La Bohème is as appealing as ever.
FROM DOWN UNDER: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder in Melbourne
Completing their ever-grander 20th season, The Production Company serves up a delectable slice of musical theatre heaven with the merrily macabre A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Nine the Musical in Melbourne is ‘a smartly conceived, darkly burnished boutique production’
One of Broadway’s most rapturously beautiful scores, Nine the Musical is given a smartly conceived, darkly burnished boutique production by prolific Melbourne company StageArt.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Jekyll & Hyde The Musical in Melbourne
Mark Doran gives a thrilling, world-class performance in the title roles as CLOC Musical Theatre successfully trades the melodramatic for the macabre in this revival of its 2005 production of Jekyll & Hyde.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Madiba the Musical in Melbourne
Showcasing the exciting talents of a diverse cast, Madiba the Musical is ultimately an inspiring celebration of the life of Nelson Mandela.