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Little Anastasia Cast Members Revealed For Hit Broadway Musical Anastasia’s Sydney Premiere

13/03/202612/03/2026 Breaking News

Producers of the hit Broadway musical ANASTASIA have today revealed the talented young Sydney performers who will be sharing the role of Little Anastasia in the highly anticipated musical opening in April at the spectacular Lyric Theatre Sydney. The local performers who scored the coveted role amongst many keen auditionees are Arianna Lorusso aged 9 and based in Beacon Hill; Maya Porragas aged 10 from Cremorne; Willa Valaris aged 10 from Allambie Heights and Willow Wilson aged 11 from Lisarow.

The crowd-favourite musical made its Australian debut in December at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre wowing audiences and critics alike, and is now playing in Perth. New tickets for the Sydney season go on sale today for the final performances from 8 – 19 July.

Time Out Melbourne called the musical a “charming theatre experience” that was “destined to deliver theatrical magic” while The Music said it was “a theatrical spectacle that dazzles on every front and will leave you spellbound” and Beat Magazine said that the musical’s “dazzling Australian premiere is rich with powerful performances.”

These hugely talented young performers will join cast members Georgina Hopson as Anya, Robert Tripolino as charming con artist Dmitry, Joshua Robson in the role of antagonist Gleb, Rodney Dobson as Vlad, the much-loved Rhonda Burchmore as Countess Lily and theatre icon Nancye Hayes AM in the role of the Dowager Empress.

The ensemble cast includes Sophia Bae, Elliot Baker, Nicholas Cunningham, Davis Giotopoulos Moore, Todd Goddard, Stephanie Kurlow, Keian Langdon, Bella Minniti, Nathan Stafford, Alexis Van Maanen, Patrick Volpe, Annie Wilson, Deone Zanotto and Andrea Zappacosta with the swings team featuring Manon Gunderson-Briggs, Iosefa Laga’aia, Nathan Pinnell and Emma Russell.

Inspired by the mysterious tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape in the dawning days of the Russian Revolution, and the 1997 Oscar nominated animated film of the same name, ANASTASIA has been brought to life on the stage by the Tony Award-winning creative team of Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.

ANASTASIA is a lavish musical for all ages, transporting audiences from the twilight years of the Imperial rule to the euphoria and exuberance of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman named Anya sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by an army officer determined to silence her, she enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

Directed by Tony Award winning director Darko Tresnjak, ANASTASIA premiered on Broadway in March 2017. It received a Tony Award nomination for Best Costume Design in a Musical and won more than 15 major international awards including Best Musical awards in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.

The book for ANASTASIA was written by the late five time Tony Award winning writer Terrence McNally, whose credits include Love! Valour! Compassion!, Master Class, Kiss of the Spider Woman and Ragtime.

Music and lyrics for ANASTASIA were written by the renowned writing team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens who have been referred to as “one of the greatest songwriting teams in Broadway history.” (Chicago Tribune).

“Fantastical, intelligent, well-crafted, and exhilarating, ANASTASIA deserves a coronation!” – The Wall Street Journal
“Captivating, beautifully staged and emotionally vital. ANASTASIA hits the sweet spot!” – The Hollywood Reporter
“One of the most gorgeous shows in years! Luscious, lavish, and a joy that leaves you cheering. This is a grandiloquent feast for the senses you won’t soon forget.” – The New York Observer

ANASTASIA – THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
Produced by John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia in special collaboration with Stage Entertainment Productions, Tom Kirdahy, Hunter Arnold and Dan Hinde

SYDNEY SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Season: From 7 April
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs at 7pm, Fr-Sat 7:30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm or 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: anastasiathemusical.com.au or 136 100
Groups 8+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au

Festival Theatre Adelaide from August
Lyric Theatre QPAC, Brisbane from September

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Jesus Christ Superstar

11/03/2026 Tracey Stafford

Jesus Christ Superstar Rating

★★★★★

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The Redcliffe Musical Theatre Production of Andrew Lloyd Webbers Jesus Christ Superstar has completely left audience members robustly cheering whilst ascending from their seats in appreciation of this spectacular local production.

The main cast members consisting of Jeandre Le Roux as Jesus, Erickson Ilustre as Judas, Stephanie Collins as Mary Magdalene, Jonathan Johns as Pilate and Kuna Smith as Simon Peter, were supported by an amazing local cast of performers as they enthusiastically brought the production to life. Whilst Act 2 section 6 consisting of Jake Hollingsworth who plays King Herod, completely stole the show by winning over the audience with his cheeky musical performance of King Herod’s Song.

Jeandre Le Roux who plays Jesus arrived on stage to both cheers and applause showing a respectful amount of acknowledgement from his fanbase within the audience and sharing with us his skills as a Tenor. Jeandre’s outstanding vocal ability shone as he progressed through each song as Jesus, projecting his vocals to each audience member.

An outstanding performance was given by Stephanie Collins as Mary Magdalene performing the classic ballad “I Don’t Know How To Love Him”. As an avid fan of the song for many years, I was engulfed in goosebumps with the tone and passion of the performance. The vocals of the support cast excelled and effectively aided each of the main cast as a fully functioning team whilst also providing effective dance performances and highlighting the true meaning of live musical theatre.

Due to the setting and the historical elements of the storyline the use of smoke and simple yet effective use of beige and khaki outfits for the costumes, represented the time period of the story as this was believed based on the visuals whilst effectively showing emotions via carefully crafted dramatic expressions. The Last Supper settings were simplified with the Apostles, Jesus and a very sparce table setting which considering when the storyline was set, was perfectly situated within the stage.

Set design was kept in a simplistic design of metal platforms and higher situated balcony’s in order to showcase the performers and not have a focus on fancy over designed pieces which based on the storyline was not in a need to be overly occupying of the stage space.

Lighting highlighted different sections of the production which in turn allowed the main performers to be thrust into the spotlight allowing them to shine when it was their turn to tell their story. The music was provided by a band consisting of modern day pieces such as electric guitar, drums, flute and a percussion section which made a highly effective impact for dramatic pieces of the storyline.

Although a modern day rendition of an original much loved London musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice it has since its first stage incarnation on 12 October 1971 at The Mark Hellinger Theatre in London made an impact for many decades around the world with its cast carefully crafting the drama and cruelty of the past.

Jesus Christ Superstar is a theatre must-see.

To book tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar, please visit https://www.redcliffeentertainmentcentre.com.au/.

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Robot Song

18/02/2026 Adam Miller🥉

Robot Song Rating

★★★★★

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Robot Song is a 10/10 unicorn. It’s a lean, hilarious and genuinely heartfelt piece of theatre, where every element is perfectly placed and the magic sneaks up on you. There is no fat in this show. Nothing extraneous. It is deliberate, thoughtful and perfectly crafted, a tight hour that moves at a cracking pace and still finds room for your heart to keep up.

I first saw Robot Song years ago and it hit me just as hard this time at Theatre Works as it did when I saw it in regional Victoria. I feel like that is the mark of a work built on universal truth and authenticity.

Created by Jolyon James (writer, director and designer), Robot Song takes the lazy “robotic” stereotype often slapped onto autistic people and flips it into something far more honest and generous. In James’ own words the show challenges those misconceptions, asks how we define ourselves and centres creativity as a way through when language fails.

At the centre of the story is Adeline Hunter as Juniper May, giving a stellar performance that is funny, raw and completely believable, like you are watching a real kid think in real time. Phillip McInnes as Dad nails the paternal warmth and the messy, relatable effort of trying to get it right more often than you get it wrong. Michelle Doyle, performer-musician, is a quiet force, moving between presence as Mum and musicianship in a way that makes the whole room feel held.

The music, composed and directed by Nathan Gilkes, is simple but perfectly formed, built to keep the lyrics clear and centred while still giving the singers space to fly. And fly they did. Each performer showcased their vocal skills brilliantly but Adeline Hunter stole the show vocally with a powerhouse voice that left the audience cheering.

The theatrical language is a joy too: a show-within-a-show (and sometimes another show within that). It never feels confusing as we switch between worlds, just lovingly guided. Puppetry, projection, movement and live tech blend so seamlessly, you stop clocking the mechanics of brilliant theatre-making and find yourself genuinely immersed inside the story.

The design, once again, highlights the versatility of Theatre Works. It sits within the space as though it was custom built for the venue. The set looks casual, complete with found objects strewn everywhere, but everything is precisely chosen and positioned, especially around the oversized dumpster centrepiece which is somehow both realistic and quietly magical. Set construction is credited to Tom Eeles at JT Custom Builds, and you can feel the intelligence in every centimetre of it. The lighting (with original lighting design by Paul Lim) and the sound design deserve their own standing ovation. They are detailed, sculpted and so apparently effortless that you only realise afterwards how much work must be underneath.

I brought my 17-year-old daughter to this performance and she loved it as much as I did, as much as the younger kids in the audience did too. That “everyone gets something” kind of magic is rare. Think Bluey energy: warm, clever, deeply inclusive, with big lessons delivered gently with wit and kindness. This show made me laugh, cry and I loved every moment of it. Don’t miss it.

To book tickets to Robot Song, please visit https://www.theatreworks.org.au/2026/robot-song.

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Cast Announced For The Australian Premiere Of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

16/02/2026 Breaking News

Feature-A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL

Producers Paul Dainty and TEG Dainty, Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio are thrilled to announce the stellar Australian cast of the smash-hit musical A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL, which makes its Australian premiere exclusively in Melbourne in August 2026 at the Princess Theatre, with previews commencing on Wednesday 5 August. Due to overwhelming demand, the season has been extended by two weeks and is now playing through to Sunday 11 October 2026. Ticket presales commence today, with tickets to the general public on sale from 9am Thursday 19 February via www.ticketek.com.au. The Australian cast will join previously announced Broadway star Will Swenson in the titular role Neil Diamond – Then, bringing his acclaimed, award-winning performance to Australia for the very first time.

Joining Swenson is an exceptional company of Australian talent, featuring principal cast members Terence Crawford (Neil Diamond – Now), Ashleigh Rubenach (Marcia Murphey), Monica Sayers (Doctor), Alana Tranter (Jaye Posner), Tim Wright (Fred Weintraub / Tommy O’Rourke), Hannah Fredericksen (Ellie Greenwich / Rose Diamond), with Rob Mallett (Standby Neil Diamond – Then), and Mark Owen Taylor (Standby Neil Diamond – Now, Fred Weintraub / Tommy O’Rourke, Bert Berns / Kieve Diamond).

Rounding out the company as “The Beautiful Noise” ensemble are Katrina Bickerton, Cameron Davey, Paul Leandre Escorrido, Matt Hourigan, Alana Iannace, Jerome Javier (Swing) Joshua Kobeck, Etuate Lutui (Shilo soloist), Anna Mallows (Swing), Jordan Malone, James Maxfield (Swing), Isabella Roberts, Sophie Tzioumis, Emma Wilby (Swing), and Erica Wild (Swing).

Producer Paul Dainty AO said “The audition process for A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL was extraordinary. Together with members of the international creative team we saw an incredible calibre of performers from across Australia, and the depth of talent on display made this one of the most exciting casting journeys we’ve been part of. We’re immensely proud of the stellar Australian cast we’ve assembled — artists who bring not only exceptional vocal power, but heart, authenticity and a real connection to Neil Diamond’s music. Audiences are in for something truly special.”

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said “Victoria is the nation’s cultural capital and welcoming this musical is yet another example of how we’re bringing the world’s biggest productions to Melbourne – creating jobs, boosting tourism and giving audiences unforgettable experiences. This fantastic cast will make for a blockbuster musical experience for fans, giving people another great reason to plan a trip to Melbourne and experience everything the city has to offer.”

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chartbusting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 140 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like “Cracklin’ Rosie”, “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Sweet Caroline,” an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond’s story was made to shine on Broadway – and the world.

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL is directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer (Chess, Spring Awakening, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), choreographed by Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett (Once, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and written by four-time Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Two Popes). The design team for A BEAUTIFUL NOISE features Tony Award winner David Rockwell (Scenic Design), Tony Award nominee Emilio Sosa (Costume Design), four-time Tony Award winner Kevin Adams (Lighting Design), Tony Award winner Jessica Paz (Sound Design), and Luc Verschueren (Hair, Wig and Make Up Design). The production has Music Supervision and Arrangements by Sonny Paladino, Incidental Music and Dance Music Arrangements by Brian Usifer, Vocal Design by AnnMarie Milazzo, and Orchestrations by Bob Gaudio, Sonny Paladino, and Brian Usifer.

Neil Diamond’s connection with Australia spans nearly half a century of music and memories. He has toured here seven times with promoter Paul Dainty AO, from the landmark Thank You Australia tour in 1976 through to 2015, with his music resonating deeply with audiences. His iconic 1972 live album Hot August Night spent 29 weeks at number one and 65 weeks on the chart, making it the third-longest-charting album of its era in Australian music history.

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL will make its Australian premiere exclusively in Melbourne in August 2026 at The Princess Theatre. Previews commence on Wednesday 5 August, 2026. Due to demand, new ticket presales commence today with tickets to the general public going on sale Thursday 19 February from www.ticketek.com.au.

“Broadway’s Will Swenson electrifies audiences. Close your eyes and you’d swear that Diamond himself is on stage performing his string of hits.” FORBES

“So Good, So Good, So Good!” Entertainment Weekly

“It sends you home hungry to hear the albums again and there is no higher tribute.” The Hollywood Reporter

“The biographical drama is a heartwarming celebration of mr. Diamond’s uplifting music and inspirational life.” The Washington Times

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