In a modern take on the classic musical, Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera arrives at the Arts Centre State Theatre in Melbourne. Opening night was a spectacle with the attendance of many notable members from the entertainment and performing arts industry across Australia. Prior to Melbourne, the new production of the hit musical finished its Australian debut at the Sydney Opera House with rave reviews. The Phantom of the Opera musical is based on the 1910 French novel of the same name written by Gaston Leroux and tells the story of the myste ..read more

Experience the phenomenon of one of the most successful musicals of all time, when Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary show comes to Melbourne. Dance Writer exclusively speaks with Jayde Westaby (Madame Giry) and Mietta White (Meg Giry) in the Australian production of Phantom of the Opera, opening at Melbourne’s Art Centre from November 2022. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ JAYDE WESTABY (MADAME GIRY) Jayde Westaby (far left) as Madame Giry. Picture by DANIEL BOUD. As a UK born perfor ..read more

A visceral and thrilling exploration of the juxtaposition of beauty and devastation, Rafael Bonachela‘s Impermanence features a commissioned score full of emotional power from Grammy Award-winning composer Bryce Dessner, performed live on stage by the Australian String Quartet. Presenting a reflective approach as to how easily structures and lives can fall apart, the dancers and creatives minds alike come together to pave the audience a pathway to peace and radiance in the midst of shattering change. The Australian String Quartet accompanies the dancers on stage and it is clear ..read more

‘They can keep us from kissing, but they can’t keep us from singing’  Much loved by many, the whimsical joy of Hairspray The Musical sets Melbourne’s Regent Theatre alight. Light and bubbly energy fills the air as the curtain rises to show the engaging Carmel Rodrigues (Tracy Turnblad) ready to welcome the new day with her powerful version of the iconic Good Morning Baltimore.  Tracy is tucked up in bed… but also not. With the bed and floor tilted 90 degrees, this opening scene provides the perfect overview of the character’s passion. Red carpet strewn with LP’s and 45-inch records ..read more

Dance Writer had an exclusive chat with the choreographer of the Australian tour of Hairspray the Musical, Dominic Shaw. How has the overall experience been re-choreographing Hairspray The Musical with a stellar Australian cast?  It’s been a joy. It’s always such a privilege to get to re-create Jerry Mitchell’s iconic choreography. This wonderful cast have really embraced and risen to the challenge. Hairspray The Musical. Image supplied. Describe your choreographic process with Hairspray. How do you bring your creative vision to life on the stage?  I start by teaching and defining th ..read more

Peta Anderson, a revered Irish-tap dancer and choreographer (and also a new mum), is set to launch the Australian tour of the world-class Irish production, Eireborne, as choreographer, co-producer and performer.  A celebration of all things Irish, Eireborne is a riveting rock production, showcasing an astonishing ensemble cast of Irish dancers rockin’ out to a soundtrack of the biggest hits from Irish sensations including U2, Snow Patrol, Van Morrison, Hozier, The Script, The Cranberries, and more. The amazing cast features former Riverdance lead, Luke Chaumont and eight-time Victorian Ir ..read more

The opulent and gorgeous State Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne was abuzz with anticipation and excitement for the opening of 9 to 5 The Musical. Notable members of the entertainment and performing arts industry held themselves with quiet poise and grace as those of us who are not so, snuck sideways glances and muttered to our friends about who we spotted in the crowd.  Such is the joy of live theatre. Every experience is different, from each performance to who one may brush against getting to one’s seat.  A large golden and sparkling ‘9 to 5’ adorned the stage as the orchestra warme ..read more

Electric, vibrant, and beautifully challenging, SIX The Musical was met with a well-deserved standing ovation on opening night at the perfectly intimate setting of Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre. An energetic buzz filled the air as the audience, wearing typical Melbourne Winter black interspersed with a thorough dose of theatrical sparkle, eagerly awaited the performance of this renowned, award-winning musical hit. SIX The Musical is simply brilliant. Through incredibly well-written and performed music and song, its luminous and reflective core speaks to every member of the entranced audience. Eve ..read more

Young Australian dancer Caitlin Marks has catapulted to the top of New York City’s performance scene after making it to the final round of the Radio City Rockettes audition.  Caitlin auditioned for the Radio City Rockettes—an infamous American dance company dating back to the 1920s. Due to the sheer competitive nature of any dancer desiring to be part of the kick line, it’s a phenomenal achievement for Caitlin who is now awaiting an outcome of her audition.  “It usually takes people a few years of auditioning to even make it past the first round, so even if I don’t get chosen, I’m v ..read more

The Australian tour of SIX—the 8-time Tony Award nominated electrifying musical phenomenon by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss—makes a march for Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 17 June 2022.  A witty, pop-fuelled musical packed full of sass, SIX remixes the history of the six wives of Henry VIII—Britain’s notorious Tudor King—as they take to the microphone to re-tell their stories and reclaim their ‘her-stories’, once and for all. Inspired by the canon of music divas Adele, Lily Allen and Ariana Grande, and with support from the SIX band Ladies in Waiting, the women transform from Tudor Queens t ..read more