Mj The Michael Jackson Musical Opens In Perth

Feature-MJ THE MICHAEL JACKSON MUSICAL

MJ THE MICHAEL JACKSON MUSICAL has opened in Perth at Crown Theatre, with the official Opening Night tomorrow evening, Wednesday 10 June. After an incredible national tour thrilling more than 750,000 Australians in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Perth is the final stop and the last opportunity to see the show in Australia! The stellar Australian principal cast is led by Broadway Star Ilario Grant as MJ and Australian performer Liam Damons as Michael in his teenage years. Rounding out the principal cast is Albany born and raised Tim Wright as Dave; original Broadway company member Oyoyo Joi as Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson/Kate; Conlon Bonner as the dual roles of Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones; J. Daughtry as Michael’s father, Joseph, and his tour director, Rob; and Yashith Fernando as Alejandro. Joining the Perth cast are Kyle Lamar Mitchell as Berry Gordy and Nick, and Sarah Morrison as MTV journalist Rachel.

FACTS AND FIGURES
More than 7 million people worldwide have seen MJ.
Winner of four Tony Awards® for Best Choreography for the show’s Director and Choreographer, Christopher Wheeldon; Best Actor in a Musical for the show’s original Broadway star, Myles Frost; Best Lighting Design of a Musical; and Best Sound Design of a Musical.
Since its Broadway debut in February 2022, MJ has become a global sensation, with acclaimed productions staged in London, Germany and across the U.S.

Set in 1992, the musical offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Michael Jackson’s iconic Dangerous World Tour. The production goes far beyond the signature moves and global hits, inviting audiences to share in the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. Set over 3 days in the rehearsal room, the smash hit show is brought to life through the lens of an MTV journalist granted rare rehearsal-room access. The production features more than 25 of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits – including Beat It, Smooth Criminal, Man in The Mirror and Thriller.

Brought to Australia by leading producer Michael Cassel, alongside original Broadway producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain, the Australian production of MJ premiered at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre on Saturday 8 March 2025 to roaring acclaim.

The internationally renowned creative team includes Tony Award winning choreography by Christopher Wheeldon OBE, Scenic Design by Tony Award and two-time Emmy Award winner Derek McLane, Lighting Design by six-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz, Costume Design by Tony, Emmy, and Academy Award winner Paul Tazewell, Sound Design by Tony Award and Olivier Award winning Gareth Owen (Come From Away), Projection Design by two-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen), Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles LaPointe (The Color Purple) and Make-up Design by Joe Dulude II. Musical Supervision is by Tony Award nominee David Holcenberg (Matilda), and the Orchestrations and Arrangements are by David Holcenberg and Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb (The Color Purple).

All Perth performances are on sale now until 19 July 2026 and selling quickly! So book your tickets now as you won’t want to miss the final chance in Australia to see MJ THE MICHAEL JACKSON MUSICAL.

Tickets available from Ticketmaster and mjthemusical.com.au.

 

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Melbourne’s Feel-good Musical Of The Season Must Close 19 July

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Producers have just released the final week of performances for Melbourne’s feel-good musical of the season – WAITRESS. Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS must close at Her Majesty’s Theatre on 19 July. Audiences and critics alike have been effusive in their praise of the show, with heart-felt standing ovations. Tickets are now on sale for the final performances at waitressthemusical.com.au

“A recipe for perfection” – The Music
“One of the finest Australian casts ever assembled.” – Stage Whispers
“A delicious score… Plenty of energetic comedy.” – The Age
“A genuine crowd-pleaser… There’s no denying Bassingthwaighte’s star power.” – Time Out

Leading the cast as Jenna is Natalie Bassingthwaighte, while Gabriyel Thomas and Mackenzie Dunn play Becky and Dawn, Jenna’s coworkers at the diner. Charismatic star of stage and screen Rob Mills is Dr Pomatter, and legendary actor John Waters plays Joe, the owner of the diner. Keanu Gonzalez is Earl, Gareth Isaac plays the role of Ogie, John Xintavelonis plays Cal, and Annie Aitken is the Jenna Alternate.

The ensemble and swing cast comprises Cameron Boxall, Alexandra Cashmere, Ethan Jones, Dwayne P. Mitchell, Joseph Naim, Conor Neylon, Belle Parkinson, Emily Robinson, Elandrah Tavares, Bree Tipoki and Stephanie Wall. Lulu is played by Stevie Denton, Lola Inman, Ruby Marshall and Evie Papas.

“Melbourne has fallen in love with this moving and original musical. Get your tickets now before it leaves town,” said producer John Frost for Crossroads Live. “With its inspiring music by Sara Bareilles and universal themes of hope and resilience, WAITRESS has fast become a massive hit worldwide, and the sensational Australian cast has been praised by critics and audiences.”

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, and brought to life by a trailblazing female-led 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.

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.

“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

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 in April 2016 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where it ran until January 2020. WAITRESS was originally produced by Barry & Fran Weissler and Norton and Elayne Herrick.

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. Everyone deserves a slice of happiness!

WAITRESSTHEMUSICAL.COM.AU

MELBOURNE SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: To 19 July
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs at 7pm, Fri-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: waitressthemusical.com.au or phone 13 28 49
Groups 8+ call (03) 9662 9571

SYDNEY SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Season: From 1 August
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs at 7pm, Fri-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: waitressthemusical.com.au or 136 100
Groups 8+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au

 

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Ticket Pre-sales Commence Today For The Sydney Season Of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

Feature-A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL

Ticket pre-sales for the highly anticipated Sydney season of A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL commence today with tickets to the general public going on sale from Monday 15 June. The internationally acclaimed production will play a strictly limited season at the Sydney Lyric from Saturday 14 November 2026. Visit www.theneildiamondmusical.com.au for ticket information.

“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

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.

Like Jersey Boys and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is a deeply personal and electrifying theatrical experience, charting Neil Diamond’s rise to superstardom through the songs that defined his life and career.

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.

“Some of my most thrilling nights have been while sharing my music with audiences around the world,” said Neil Diamond. “A BEAUTIFUL NOISE has already had an incredible journey on Broadway and is currently touring across the U.S. and it’s an incredible honour to see it heading to Melbourne and Sydney. I hope Australian audiences enjoy the show as much as I have.”

Producer Paul Dainty AO said: “Sydney has always had a deep connection with Neil Diamond’s music, and I’m delighted that audiences there will experience this extraordinary production following its Melbourne premiere. There has already been remarkable demand in Melbourne ahead of opening, which speaks to the enduring place Neil’s music holds in the hearts of Australians. This musical is a powerful celebration of his life and legacy, filled with the songs that have meant so much to generations. It’s an honour to bring this story to the Sydney stage.”

Producer Ken Davenport said: “A BEAUTIFUL NOISE has connected with audiences around the world because it’s more than a musical — it’s a deeply human story told through one of the greatest songbooks of all time. We’ve been thrilled by the extraordinary response already building in Melbourne, and we’re excited to bring that same energy to Sydney audiences later this year.”

The Australian cast of A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is led by 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), Paul Hanlon (Bert Berns / Kieve Diamond), 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).

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.

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL: www.theneildiamondmusical.com.au

SEASON DETAILS

MELBOURNE
Venue: Princess Theatre
Season: Previews commence on Wednesday 5 August
Performance Times: Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Wed/Thu/Sun 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 6.30pm
Prices: From $69 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: Visit ticketek.com.au or phone 1300 665 915
Groups 10+: Visit ticketek.com.au or phone 03 9299 9873 Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

SYDNEY
Venue: Sydney Lyric, Pyrmont
Season: Previews commence on Saturday 14 November
Performance Times: Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Wed/Thu/Sun 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 6.30pm
Prices: From $69 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: Visit ticketmaster.com.au or phone 02 9509 3600
Groups 10+: Visit ticketmaster.com.au or phone 1300 558 878 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

 

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Iconic Anthems Reimagined With Feminine Power & Flair

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What happens when some of the greatest songs ever made famous by male artists are placed in the hands of three extraordinary female performers? The answer is Les Femmes, a powerhouse vocal trio that transform beloved rock, pop and R&B classics into a masterclass in harmony and vocal arrangement delivering a bold, fresh and utterly captivating show playing Sunday afternoons on 28 June, 9 August, 18 October and 29 Nov at The Grand Electric.

One of the things that makes Les Femmes so special is the unique chemistry between Emma Mylott, Jacinta Gulisano and Tia Gigliotti. While each artist is an established performer in her own right, they come from distinctly different musical worlds — Emma from rock, Jacinta from pop, and Tia from R&B. Emma brings power and edge, Jacinta delivers soaring pop melodies, while Tia adds soulful warmth and rhythmic finesse. Together, they create rich harmonies and dynamic vocal arrangements that transform familiar songs into something fresh, exciting and entirely their own.

Adding to the fun, the show celebrates the men who have shaped our lives in all their forms — fathers, brothers, mentors, partners, exes and everything in between. Through a soundtrack of iconic hits, the trio takes audiences on a cheeky, playful and heartfelt journey filled with stories, laughter and plenty of moments of recognition. Perfect for a girls’ night out, date night, or anyone who loves great music.

VENUE: The Grand Electric, 199 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills
DATES: Sun 28 June, Sun 9 August, Sunday 18 Oct, Sun 29 Nov at 3pm
TICKETS: from $49 – $79
BOOKINGS: Fever

 

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