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Hilarious Musical Comedy hits WA: Urinetown, The Musical on Stage This November

11/10/202511/10/2025 Breaking News

Western Sky Projects returns to Perth’s Liberty Theatre this November with something wildly different – Urinetown, The Musical, a riotous Tony Award-winning satire that’s equal parts bold, hilarious, and just a little bit unhinged.

From the team that brought Perth audiences last year’s acclaimed production of She Loves Me, Western Sky’s brand-new production of Urinetown, The Musical brings together 18 powerhouse WA performers, a live 5-piece band, and a story that flushes conventional musicals down the drain.

Running at the Liberty Theatre in Perth from 7–15 November, Urinetown, The Musical is a fast-paced black comedy set in a town gripped by a catastrophic water shortage. As amenities dry up, even the most basic human rights are privatised – including the right to pee.

When one man leads a rebellion against the corporate-controlled toilets, chaos ensues in this anarchic and hilariously self-aware satire. Expect big voices, big laughs, and more than a few revolutions.

Written by Greg Kotis (book and lyrics) and Mark Hollmann (music and lyrics), Urinetown ran for over 960 performances on Broadway, and won three Tony Awards including Best Book and Best Original Score. Known for its razor-sharp wit, bold political commentary, and gleeful subversion of musical theatre tropes, the show has since been staged in over 30 countries worldwide.

Directed by Andrew Baker, with musical direction by Taui Pinker, choreography by Tess Howieson, set & costume design by Rhi Walker and lighting by Tess Reuvers, Urinetown continues Western Sky Projects’ mission to present ambitious, artist-led productions made right here in Western Australia.

Tickets are now on sale at www.trybooking.com/DBHAY

Audiences can choose between two ticket types:

Executive Tickets: Premium seating and a complimentary drink — perfect for those who prefer to and watch in style.

Rebel Tickets: General admission for the bold and brave.

Urinetown, The Musical
Liberty Theatre, Perth
7–15 November 2025
Evenings at 7.30pm | Saturday matinee at 2pm

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The Bogong’s Song: A Call To Country

09/10/2025 Cherelle Flemming🥈🦉🎭🎶

The Bogong’s Song: A Call To Country Rating

★★★★★

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The Bogong’s Song: A Call To Country at Bangarra Dance Theatre is an ingenious new production developed by Yolande Brown and Chenoa Deemal. It is sure to be another award-winning success following their previous highly acclaimed work Waru – Journey Of The Small Turtle which engaged thousands of children last year. The Bogong’s Song presents a truly unique, culturally significant and entertaining performance.

The inclusion of puppets and shadow puppets was captivating and worked seamlessly with Justin Harrison’s fabulous video designs and projected images. Vanessa Ellis excelled as the puppet master and maker; her expertise elevated and transformed the performance into something unique and magical.

The music by Brendon Boney and Yolande Brown, who was also the songwriter and composer, was atmospheric and illuminating. It perfectly complemented the dance choreography with First Nations cultural influences interwoven beautifully throughout. I immensely appreciated the inclusion of Australian bush sounds and animals and First Nations instruments such as tapping sticks and the didgeridoo. These intricate details highlighted and celebrated the cultural significance of the performance.

The lighting by Ben Hughes and Eben Love allowed the audience to transcend into the dreaming experience with mystical effects and timely poignant moments. Particularly impressive was the green lighting for the grass and the beautiful starry scattered lighting.

The performers Benjin Maza and Tjilala Brown-Roberts delivered a majestic performance. They both showcased exquisite artistry in their dancing, acting and singing. They showcased the artistic choreography by Yolande Brown which was an eclectic fusion of First Nations influence combined with hip hop and contemporary dance. Benjin wowed the audience with fabulous strength in his acrobatic tricks and tight, clean movements throughout. Tjilala likewise delivered a flawless performance with soft smooth elegance. Benjin and Tijala both excelled in engaging audience participation and in delivering meaningful heartfelt messages and raising awareness to pressing community issues.

The story highlights environmental concerns of Australia’s endangered Bogong Moth. It interweaves fascinating information which will hopefully inspire discussions and awareness to save this admirable insect. The content also delves into unsettling concerns of juvenile detainment and spreads awareness that children as young as ten years old are being imprisoned. This is heartbreaking and our nation can and should do better by our children. There are infinitely superior ways to help children grow and learn to be respectful and responsible future adults.

The performance also highlights our younger generation’s phone addiction and how they are sadly spending less time being at one with the outdoors and nature. They discuss how essential it is to one’s health and well-being to feel grounded to the earth and mother nature.

The Bogong’s Song at Bangarra Dance Theatre is a thoroughly entertaining cultural experience to be enjoyed by all ages.
They beautifully capture First Nations culture in the past, present and future and take the audience on a remarkable dreaming experience. The Bogong’s Song is a meaningful and rewarding performance not to be missed.

To book tickets to The Bogong’s Song: A Call To Country, please visit https://www.bangarra.com.au/productions/the-bogongs-song/.

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Waitress to Premiere in Sydney in 2026

08/10/2025 Breaking News

Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS is baking its way to Australia for the very first time, premiering at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in July 2026. Waitlist at WaitresstheMusical.com.au to be first in line to buy tickets when they go on sale later this month.

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, and brought to life by a trailblazing creative team, including a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an original, uplifting score by Grammy® winner Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave) and direction by Tony® winner Diane Paulus, WAITRESS is the irresistible Broadway hit about resilience, friendship and hope that has captured hearts worldwide.

“It’s been a dream of mine to see WAITRESS (finally) find its way to Australia,” said Sara Bareilles. “This story is about dreams, friendship and the courage needed to learn to love oneself, which feels so universal, and so timely. Over the years, we have witnessed such an incredible embrace of this show, and I’m so proud to be a part of the team that is bringing you something so full of heart and soul. I’m so excited for Sydney audiences to experience WAITRESS.”

This heartwarming and empowering musical tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker who longs to escape her rocky marriage and start again. When a baking contest, an unexpected new romance and the support of her fellow waitresses offer her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she ever imagined.

“I am so excited to bring this original and inspiring production to Australian audiences,” said producer John Frost for Crossroads Live. “WAITRESS became a huge hit on Broadway where it played for almost four years, receiving four Tony nominations and six Drama Desk nominations, as well as many other awards and nominations. It had a return season on Broadway, played the West End from 2019, toured the US three times, and was a huge hit in many countries across the world. WAITRESS has become a ‘must see’ musical, with its memorable music by Sara Bareilles and universal themes of hope and resilience.”

WAITRESS made history on Broadway with the four top creative spots in a show being filled by women – Sara Bareilles (music and lyrics), Jessie Nelson (book), Lorin Latarro (choreography) and Diane Paulus (direction). It opened on Broadway on 24 April 2016 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where it ran until 5 January 2020. WAITRESS was originally produced by Barry & Fran Weissler and Norton and Elayne Herrick.

“WAITRESS’s Australian premiere has been many years in the making. Collaborating with our longtime partner John Frost and his team at Crossroads Live, we are thrilled to finally have the chance to share this story “baked from the heart” with audiences in Oz. Pie for everyone!” said Original Producer Barry Weissler.

“Treat yourself to a slice of 5 Star musical pie” – The Times
“Sweet, sassy, passionate & delightful!” – New York Magazine
“Simply delightful! A glorious reminder that life is messy and wondrous!” – The Washington Post

Sweet, sassy and soul-stirring, WAITRESS is “a little slice of heaven” (Entertainment Weekly) and “made from the finest ingredients” (Time Out). It’s a feel-good celebration of second chances, and the magic of a well-made pie.

If only life were as easy as pie…

WAITLIST NOW WAITRESSTHEMUSICAL.COM.AU

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No Day Like Today to See Rent: The Musical

02/10/2025 Linda Lokhee🏆💎🔥🦉🎭

Rent Rating

★★★★★

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A legendary rock opera is coming to the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House, ready to electrify the audience. Opening on September 30, 2025, Rent the Musical will run for one month and showcases an exceptionally talented cast portraying a group of young, struggling artists living in Manhattan’s Alphabet City in the East Village.

Set in the early 1992, composer and lyricist Jonathan Larson’s retelling of Puccini’s La Boheme explores battles with poverty and gentrification, love, addiction and the fear and impact of the AIDS epidemic. Yet amongst all of the hardships in their lives, this is ultimately a musical about hope, strength and passion. This group of characters discover the importance of connection and community, living in the moment (“No Day Like Today”) and to measure life in love (“Seasons of Love”).

Larson left a lasting legacy by openly featuring love themes between two gay couples and a duet between queer characters on a Broadway stage when the show first premiered in 1996. This milestone in queer representation in musicals deeply resonated with audiences.

With themes such as the hardships of trying to make ends meet, as well as the coming together of friends when it’s most needed, director Shaun Rennie says, “this show, like what Jesus Christ Superstar was in the 70s and what Hamilton was for that generation, Rent really is a show that spoke directly to the youthful MTV generation.” Now, a new generation of people will fall in love with Rent The Musical.

Larson wrote the book and subsequent multi-Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning musical for his friends but tragically passed away unexpectedly aged 36 from an aneurysm on the eve of his off-Broadway premiere. Despite this, the musical was performed the following night in his honour. Rennie, along with the cast, ensemble and crew, say that they continue to pay tribute to Larson nightly throughout this Sydney production.

Rennie has assembled an experienced and talented cast, all of whom have come from musical greats such as Jesus Christ Superstar (Tana Laga’aia, Calista Nelmes, Henry Rollo), & Juliet (Jesse Dutlow) and Hadestown (Imani Williams) Tina Turner (Kristin Paulse), Dear Evan Hansen (Harry Targett) and Hamilton (Googoorewon Knox). They all have strong voices that are needed for belting out some of Rent’s rock opera songs.

For the preview media call attended today, I got a small glimpse into Rent and I can see that it will be an eye opening full production. The staging is detailed, with revolving movements and the backdrop of typical NYC apartments flanked by the metal criss cross jigsaw of fire escapes. The lighting by Paul Jackson is moody and atmospheric. The moment the first note is played with the opening song, the ensemble moves together as one. They are all dynamic! The musical arrangements by Steve Skinner and the choreography by Bree Tipoki are beautifully fluid. It is a large ensemble and there are so many moving characters singing and dancing, all with perfect sharp dance angles and flashes of energy. For anyone who has never seen Rent before, or for fans who know that “525,600 minutes … a year in the life of friends”, this is going to be one fantastic musical not to be missed this Spring inside the Sydney Opera House.

Season run: September 30 – November 1 2025
Run Time: 2 hours and 35 minutes including interval
Tickets: www.opera.org.au/productions/rent-sydney

To book tickets to Rent, please visit https://opera.org.au/productions/rent-sydney/.

Photographer: Neil Bennett

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