Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre reveals cast of 2024 musical production Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella | Events | What’s on

Toowoomba is in for a special treat with a Tony award-winning production set to premiere the coming months. Now the talented cast has officially been announced and you will not be disappointed. Find out who made the cut here.

The wishes of Toowoomba audiences have come true after the stellar cast of the Empire Theatre’s upcoming production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella was revealed.

Set to transform the theatre into the enchanting set of the treasured fairytale from March 15 to 23 next year, six performances of the Tony Award winning musical will be delivered in Toowoomba.

After stepping into the glass slipper and proving she is the perfect fit for the role of Ella, Shannon Gralow has been named as the leading cast member in the romantic comedy.

Shannon Gralow as Cosette in Toowoomba Choral Society’s 2023 production of Les Miserables. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ms Gralow brings with her an impressive portfolio of performances including Glinda in Wicked, Mary Poppins and Liza Minnelli in The Boy From Oz.

“It’s a dream role for any girl who has ever wanted to be on stage,” Ms Gralow said.

“There’s no thrill quite like it.”

Joining the heroine as Prince Topher will be Toowoomba’s own Gabriel Tiller, who has made a name for himself in the world of musical theatre with previous roles in Billy Elliot The Musical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Singin’ In the Rain.

“It’s very exciting to be back and taking on this role - Topher is a bit of a romantic and a charmer, but he is also quite lost and doesn’t know how to run a kingdom,” Mr Tiller said.

“He has that extra dimension of not quite knowing how to live the life he is supposed to be living (so) it’s really a journey of self-discovery for this character.”

Gabe Tiller has been cast as Prince Topher in the Empire Theatre's 2024 production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Picture: Contributed

Meanwhile the role of the evil stepmother Madame will be performed by Vicki Bravery, with Lydia Cunnington and Stacey Burrow named as the stepsisters Charlotte and Gabrielle.

Flynn Walmsley has been cast as political revolutionary Jean-Michel and will be joined by Russell Reynolds as Lord Chancellor Sebastian and Nick Kirkup as Lord Pinkleton.

The musical production which premiered on Broadway in 2013, will be directed by Tim Hill, who is known for his long list of works including Billy Elliot The Musical, Mamma Mia!, Wicked, Mary Poppins and RENT.

He will be assisted by Craig Renshaw as musical director, choreographer Tess Hill and scenic designer Frances Story.

Rehearsals will commence in January with tickets now on sale through the Empire Theatre.