When I was at school I wore out my tape of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
But I never mentioned to many pals that I liked musicals.
They were rather daggy back then. Something that only old people and geeky, spectacle-wearing kids who played the violin (like me) went to see.
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But now musicals are, dare I say it, hip. The Wicked film has pretty much taken over the world (no-one had heard of it when I saw it on Broadway 20 years ago and burned a copy of my friend’s CD).
My colleague’s kids’ know all the words to Hamilton. And even Hollywood stars like Eddie Redmayne and Hugh Jackman are starring in musicals on stage.
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If you want to get in on the trend, here are the best shows worth travelling to see across Australia, as recommended by this musical geek.
Guys and Dolls
The annual Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour show atop the water this year is this classic. Former pop star and swimmer Cody Simpson will star, but let’s face it, you’re going for the setting as much as the show.
When: Sydney from 21 March to 20 April 2025, Book here.
Jesus Christ Superstar
It might have been released in the 1970s, but this show still packs an incredible punch today.
This version, complete with a baseball cap-clad Jesus stars Jimmy Barnes’ daughter, Mahalia.
But it was Javon King as Judas who stole the show for us.
When: Sydney until January 26 2025, Perth from February 13 2025, Melbourne from March 16 2025, Brisbane from June 29 2025. Book here.
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MJ
A huge hit on Broadway and in the West End, this Michael Jackson biopic is heading to Australia for the first time.
It takes the audience back to 1992 and inside the creation of the iconic Dangerous World Tour. I’ve not seen it yet, but I expect it’ll be epic.
When: Sydney from February 2025. Book here.
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Titanique
A musical based on the Titanic movie, with the songs of Celine Dion is an unlikely combination.
But trust me when I say this is one of the best nights out in Sydney right now, musical or otherwise. Even better is it’s on in a small, cabaret-style venue.
When: Sydney until January 19 2025. Book here.
Six The Musical
Another rather unlikely musical theme, the six wives of Henry VIII, this concert-style show has become a global cult hit.
Combining dazzling voices with witty songs, it is a perfect one for a girl’s night out.
When: Sydney until December 29, 2024, Brisbane from January 2025, Newcastle from April 2025. Book here
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Les Misérables
Another classic you can never see too many times (in my opinion) big names Michael Ball and Alfie Boe will appear at some performances of this epic.
This is the new ‘arena spectacular’ version.
When: Sydney from April 30 2025, Melbourne from May 14 2025, Brisbane from May 28 2025. Book here.
Wicked
The biggest thing in the world right now, film or otherwise, catch the stage show on which the movie was based.
It’s about the two witches from the Wizard of Oz, and is packed with stage magic and inspiring songs.
When: Perth from December 15, 2024. Book here.
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Hadestown
This quirky musical is about the Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and King Hades and Persephone.
It blends folky tunes with an unusual story and is like nothing you’ll have seen before. I saw it on Broadway and can’t wait to catch it with an Aussie cast.
When: Sydney Theatre Royal from February, Melbourne from May. Book here.
Back to the Future: The Musical
Great Scott! The film that made Michael J Fox famous has had a musical spin.
After being a big hit on Broadway and in the West End it’s coming to Australia.
When: Sydney from September 2025. Join the waiting list for tickets here.
This post was originally published on here
