First listen: Anthem from Midnight musical revealed

The first anthem from the Melbourne-made Broadway-style musical Midnight, performed by leading lady Brianna Bishop, has landed. Listen to it here

She grew up knowing struggle and her family often lived on the poverty line. But now, rising musical theatre star Brianna Bishop is having her Cinderella moment.

Ms Bishop, who grew up in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs, has been cast as the leading lady Ella in Midnight, a reimagined version of the Cinderella story.

Her co-stars include Shane Jacobson, Verity Hunt-Ballard, Lucy Durack, Thomas McGuane, and Matt Lee.

“I feel really blessed,” Ms Bishop, 25, said. “As someone who has been through hardship in this world, and embodied wisdom from that, it’s really nice to be stepping into this role.

Brianna Bishop will play Ella in the musical Midnight. Picture: Clint Peloso

“My family grew up quite poor, below the poverty line sometimes, and it was hard. But my parents never had a fear mindset. They always believed in my ability, and they wanted me to live my dreams.

“I want to bring a strength that is soft to this role, and a wisdom and passion about human rights, and women, and people who are struggling. My upbringing was similar to Ella, so I very much empathise with her.”

Ms Bishop’s credits include Hairspray, playing Amanda van Tussle, opposite Rhonda Burchmore, and Chess The Musical.

She sang on Australia’s Got Talent in 2010, and reached the finals. “Midnight feels like a full circle moment. I look at the little girl on AGT and think, ‘Hey Bri, we did it!’”

Producers have also revealed a new anthem from the musical, titled Why Can’t I, performed by Ms Bishop, and written by John Foreman and Anthony Costanzo.

Midnight opens at the Comedy Theatre in June. Tickets from Ticketek.