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Hit Broadway Musical Anastasia Loved By Brisbane, Opening To Rave Reviews

25/09/2026 Breaking News

The Courier Mail said “Georgina Hopson is every bit the star” and that ANASTASIA is “the ultimate theatrical tasting platter. You get the show tunes and soaring ballads, but you also get comedy, romance, opera, ballet, extravagant costumes and big Broadway moments”. Scenestr said that “Georgina Hopson is a perfect princess” and “an absolute must see” while The Hollywood Reporter called it “musical theatre at its absolute finest. Don’t miss it.”

The cast for this charming modern fairytale and much-loved musical includes Georgina Hopson as Anya, Robert Tripolino as the charismatic con artist Dmitry, Joshua Robson in the role of antagonist Gleb, Rodney Dobson as Vlad, the universally adored 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, Matthew Jenson, Stephanie Kurlow, Bella Minniti, Simon Plant, 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. The local Queensland performers who feature as Little Anastasia include Eva Boldery, Kalina Kita, Harvey Rose McClelland and Holly Murray.

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.

1023 (sml) - Eleanor Flynn and Nancye Hayes in ANASTASIA. Photo by Jeff Busby.jpg

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).

Lyric Theatre QPAC, Brisbane until 18 October 2026

For tickets and further information, please visit www.anastasiathemusical.com.au

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Final Tickets For Sydney Season Of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical Released

22/09/2026 Breaking News

Feature-A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL

Producers Paul Dainty AO and TEG Dainty, Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio are thrilled to announce the final release of tickets for the smash-hit Broadway musical A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL. Due to overwhelming demand, the season has been extended by five weeks through to Sunday 14 February 2027, with ticket presales commencing today and tickets to the general public going on sale Friday 25 September from ticketmaster.com.au.

The musical is currently playing at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre and has received extraordinary praise from critics and audiences alike.

“Full of spectacle and humour, emotion and nostalgia, and of course, the music.” – The Age
“An abundance of rich, memorable songs, and energy to burn.” – The Guardian
“A Brilliant Show” – The Today Show (Richard Wilkins)
“This is a dazzling blockbuster of a show that honours the singer-songwriter’s career and legacy.” – Time Out
“A thrilling, nostalgic and deeply moving celebration of the man behind the music.” – Stage Whispers

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).

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 before it, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL — from the Australian producers of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical — is an inspiring, exhilarating, energy-filled musical memoir, that tells the untold true story of how America’s greatest hitmaker became a star, set to the songs that defined his 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.

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL is directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer (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.

Final tickets for the Sydney season of A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL, through to Sunday 14 February at the Sydney Lyric, go on sale this week.

SEASON DETAILS 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
Groups 10+: Email groups@ticketmaster.com..au

SEASON DETAILS MELBOURNE
Venue: Princess Theatre
Season: Playing now through to Saturday 7 November
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
Groups 10+: Email groups@marrinergroup.com.au

SEASON DETAILS BRISBANE
Venue: Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Season: Previews commence on Saturday 20 March, 7:30pm
Performance Times: Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Wed/Thu/Sun 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 6.30pm
Prices: From $69 (Transaction fees apply)
Tickets: Visit qpac.com.au or phone 136 246
Groups 10+: Contact QPAC Groups Department qpac.com.au or phone 07 3840 7466
Groups 10+: Email groups@qtix.com.au

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Anastasia: An Elegant, Enchanting Enigma

21/09/2026 Paul Ellicott🥈🎭

Anastasia The Musical Rating

★★★★★

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According to Anastasia’s writer Terrence McNally, a fairy tale is a story that even if it isn’t demonstrably true, tells us something very truthful about who we are. So even if modern DNA testing has concluded any claim about a runaway Romanov, the rumour, legend and mystery of Anastasia rightly endure and find luminous life in a Broadway show, now performing at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in Brisbane. Set largely within economically shattered early 1900s Russia, Anastasia avoids excessive sentimentality, canvassing a society struggling to survive, and haunted with loss. Street sweeper Anya is groomed by conmen Dmitry and Vlad to pose as Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, rumoured to have escaped and survived her Imperial family’s execution, so they can pocket a reward. However, as the story develops, the grift turns to gratitude, and the fiction may not be so far-flung.

Every facet of Anastasia is impressively crafted, creating a musical that is spirited and spellbinding, yet sombre. Of the performers, Georgina Hopson is an admirable Anya, exuding the guts and grace to embody both the peasant and the princess with authentic likeability, not to mention pitch-perfect vocals, delivered with power and tender restraint. Robert Tripolino is eye catching as the resourceful rogue, Dmitry, a conman with a conscience. The magnetism between Anya and Dmitry is evident earlier than the characters realise it, and their burgeoning romance provides them with satisfying realignment and redemption, respectively. Rodney Dobson brings lived-in levity to the character Vlad, wily associate of Dmitry, and ex-member of the Imperial Court, sharing good connection and timing, particularly in his scenes with Tripolino, and Rhonda Burchmore – who is a giddy, glamourous and genial Countess Lily. Joshua Robson stands out as Gleb, capturing the complexity and ambivalence of the character, with velvet, vibrato-rich vocals, while as the Dowager Empress, Nancy Hayes commands with gravitas and regal decorum. The entire ensemble is highly commendable, vivacious and versatile.

Anastasia’s projection and videography are remarkable, adding depth and cinematic spectacle to the stage, immersing us in the adventure even more thoroughly. Dance is another special feature, with effervescent group numbers and stirring contrast between Russian waltzes, beautiful but bygone, and the up-tempo jazz stylings of 1920’s Paris. There is some phenomenal ballet added in for good measure, which provides a dazzling link between the old and new. The stylistic changes in costume, dance, and music achieve a marked tonal shift from the repression of revolution era Russia to the joie de vivre of Paris – and the possibilities of a new dawn. The costumes are stunning, the women’s regal dresses in particular draw gasps of appreciation, and the music is sumptuous and memorable, with undertones of melancholy befitting the fallen who at once grace and haunt the stage.

Anastasia shares many elements with the animated 1997 film, including five of the songs, but it achieves something new and more grown up, with each aspect combining beautifully. Director Darko Tresnjak and the entire creative team truly sweep us away in the journey. Overall, the legend of Anastasia endures, and this production is an elegant and enchanting enigma, telling many truths, including about how serendipity leads us where we are meant to be. Highly recommended.

To book tickets to Anastasia The Musical, please visit https://anastasiathemusical.com.au/tickets/brisbane/.

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Where Harmony Meets Healing: The Heartbreak Choir

14/09/202614/09/2026 Jules Hart🥉

The Heartbreak Choir Rating

★★★★★

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Opening to a robust audience at Brisbane’s PIP Theatre, The Heartbreak Choir by the late playwright Aidan Fennessy explores the healing power of song while deeper tensions simmer beneath the surface of a country community.

Deftly directed by Sherryl Lea Secomb, The Heartbreak Choir invites us into the world of a small group of choristers who splinter from their established choir, incensed over a matter of principle. With a new name, a new space to rehearse and a public debut looming, the newly formed choir is determined to right the wrongs of the past. As the first act unfolds, snippets of dialogue and moments of interaction hint at an undercurrent of tension, gradually revealing the basis of this moral divide by Act One’s conclusion.

The play opens in a tired community hall on the outskirts of a rural Australian town. Hannah Page’s sound design is immediately immersive as a woman enters, flicks on a buzzing fluorescent light and coaxes the only radiant bar heater to life. The simple set features a kitchenette, worn metal fold-up chairs and a stock standard piano. It’s not too long before the eclectic mix of characters arrive for their first breakaway choir rehearsal under their leader Barbara (Catarina Hebbard).
Anchoring the choir group is Barbara, exuding a faded elegance and grounding warmth. She is level headed and guides the group with gentle authority.

Straight talking and bustling farmer Mack is brought to life by Gemma Galley. Her refreshing authenticity and ability to burst into a room and inject it with a bombastic energy sets you back in your chair. There’s a stark contrast between Mack and child Savannah (Micheal Enright), who selectively communicates non-verbally. Similarly affected by anxiety, this contrast highlights how differently people can express their inner turmoil.

Though often quiet, Savannah carries a presence impossible to ignore; sassy and stubborn, yet intensely observational. With angelic singing voice and signing, Enright’s portrayal compels you to lean in further to interpret their messages.

Diedre Grace portrays Totty—frighteningly organised, a delightfully brazen inability to read the room, and getting about in Hi-Viz gear for no obvious reason. Diedre’s unfiltered delivery of lines in tense situations never fails to pop the bubble of tension, bringing a fresh swell of energy to the scene.

Assini, the soulful, heavily pregnant Zimbabwean woman emits the necessary warmth to the group. Through her poignant stance and pragmatic reactions, Brightholly Nininahazwe is unafraid to quietly stand her ground in spaces of moral division.

Nervously gatecrashing this new tight knit bubble of choristers is senior police offer Peter (played by Bradley McCaw), burdened with both the weight of his past and reservations about what his future holds. There’s a humble vulnerability McCaw brings to the role, which ultimately acts as a catalyst for the choir to deal with their past.

Benjamin Cole, as son of Peter, perfectly aids McCaw in displaying the contrast between the different impacts of grief on a person. Both racked with shock from recent events; they convey the significance that trauma holds in shaping who you are and how you act.

Although Beau’s transformation is slow, his character arc feels rewarding to watch unfold. And with few lines, Cole successfully utilised body language and unspoken interpersonal dynamics to illustrate his unacknowledged emotional story.

The plays’ darker themes are balanced remarkably well with humour and quirky characters, testament to the strong ensemble cast. It’s difficult to pick a clear standout performer—each brings such heart and believability to their role that the play wouldn’t feel complete without any of them.

While the underlying message of this production is quite a serious one, most of the show is surprisingly funny, with plenty of classic Aussie slang, humorous ramblings, and raw character interactions sparking moments of laughter around the room.

With the finale song Our Little Town, composed and arranged by Bradley McCaw, and in collaboration with local choir Ignite, led by Harmony Woollet, the production provides a joyous tribute to the power of connection through community.

PIP Theatre’s The Heartbreak Choir is performing till the 19th September. For tickets please visit: 2026 | The Heartbreak Choir | PIP Theatre

To book tickets to The Heartbreak Choir, please visit https://piptheatre.org/heartbreak-choir/.

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