Best musicals coming to Melbourne in 2019
From classics like Jersey Boys and Muriel’s Wedding, to the final project of pop hero David Bowie, kick off the new year with a skip in your step and tune stuck in your head after you see some of the best musicals coming to Melbourne in 2019.
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Kick off the new year with a skip in your step and tune stuck in your head after you see some of the best musicals coming to Melbourne in 2019.
From classics like Jersey Boys and Muriel’s Wedding, to the final project of pop hero David Bowie, this line up of shows has something for everyone.
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CALAMITY JANE
Calamity Jane went so well at the Arts Centre this year, it is returning to a bigger theatre to kick off 2019. Starring Virginia Gay, it is a tribute to the amazing woman who tried to forge her singular way through the inhibited gender expectations of her time. Entertaining, funny and joyous, this production shows that musical theatre always starts with a great story.
Comedy Theatre, January 1-27
JERSEY BOYS
This true story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons is the 12th longest-running musical
in Broadway history and has played to 25 million people around the world. It returns to Melbourne, where it broke box office records during its first season in 2009. Songs such as Oh What a Night, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and Big Girls Don’t Cry are just some of the elements that make this such a well-crafted, successful and entertaining musical.
Regent Theatre, from February 23
MURIEL’S WEDDING
The rarity of a new Australian musical coming to our stage is cause enough to be excited by the chance to see this in Melbourne. But with a creative team that includes direction by Simon Phillips, Gabriela Tylesova designing costumes and music by Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall, this promises to be a highlight all in itself.
Her Majesty’s Theatre, from March 12
WEST SIDE STORY
Musical theatre lovers claim this is the greatest musical of all time. When done well, it is a complete package of music, dance and book, and remains a musical masterpiece. This co-production with Opera Australia, featuring a new, young cast, will be directed by Joey McKneely, a former pupil of the show’s original choreographer, Jerome Robbins. It is hard to imagine how this show could ever date.
Arts Centre, April 6-28
BARNUM
A new production of the classic musical will be intimate and faithful, starring our own great showman Todd McKenney, with Rachael Beck playing Barnum’s wife, Charity. Aside from the Hugh Jackman film The Greatest Showman, many audience members will be unfamiliar with the story of P.T. Barnum, who changed the nature of circus entertainment. This show, with an all-Australian creative team, is set to be a dynamic, colourful spectacle.
Comedy Theatre, from April 27
LAZARUS
The final project of pop hero David Bowie will headline The Production Company’s 2019 season. In an unprecedented move for the Melbourne company chaired by Jeanne Pratt,
it has announced this season highlight exclusively to the Herald Sun in anticipation of a strong response. Lazarus was first staged in New York in 2015 before Bowie’s death in January 2016. It features 18 of his hits including Changes, Heroes and Absolute Beginners.
Playhouse, opens May
Waitlist at lazarusthemusical.com.au
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
Musical theatre performers all strive to one day star in a Stephen Sondheim musical, and next year Victorian Opera is presenting one of his most charming. The bittersweet musical comedy stars Ali McGregor as Desiree Armfeldt to sing the haunting Send in the Clowns. She will be in stellar company with Simon Gleeson, Nancye Hayes and Samuel Dundas under the direction of Stuart Maunder.
Playhouse, June 27-July 6
COME FROM AWAY
The top three box office hits on Broadway at the moment are The Book of Mormon, Hamilton and Come From Away. When Come From Away opens here next year, 21 months after opening on Broadway, it will bring a refreshing burst of heart and spirit to Melbourne’s theatre scene. Few leave the theatre without being uplifted by the story of the small town of Newfoundland that welcomed 7000 stranded airline passengers in the wake of 9/11.
Comedy Theatre, from July 3
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
This is the show Caroline O’Connor has been longing to do for years and she finally has the chance, with director Dean Bryant for the Melbourne Theatre Company. It will certainly end the year on a high note because O’Connor couldn’t possibly disappoint. As an exotic film goddess, she will never be less than sizzling in a great Kander and Ebb showcase for her star quality.
Southbank Theatre, November 18-December 28
mtc.com.au
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