musical

Cast Announced For Australian Premiere Of The Prom

Feature-THE PROM

They’re invited! The cast of the upcoming Tony-nominated Broadway smash-hit production, THE PROM has today been announced. This Drama Desk Award Winner for Best Musical is arriving in Sydney for its Australian Premiere at the newly revitalised Teatro at the Italian Forum from March 2026. Tickets to this musical comedy are on sale now at www.teatroitalianforum.com.au

Broadway and West End star Caroline O’Connor leads this stellar cast as Tony Award Winner Dee Dee Allen. Currently performing in Putting it Together at The Foundry, Caroline has played lead roles on Broadway, the West End, France and across Australia, including Chicago, Anything Goes, 9to5 The Musical, West Side Story and Anastasia, among many others.

At the heart of this joyful musical are its young stars- Sophie Montague (Sister Act) plays Emma, High School Student Banned from The Prom and Paige Fallu (Hairspray) plays Alyssa Greene, Head of Student Council with a Secret. The role of Broadway Chorine, Angie is played by Renae Corser nĂ©e Berry (Saturday Night Fever) while Brendan Monger (Urinetown) plays Drama Desk Award Winner Barry Glickman. Brad Green (Bootmen) plays Sheldon Saperstein, Broadway Press Agent with a Plan while Thern Reynolds (Evita) plays Esteemed Julliard Graduate/Cater Waiter, Trent. Mrs. Greene, President of the PTA, is played by Erin Bruce (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical) with the role of Mr Hawkins, High School Principal (and Theatre Fan) played by Scott Irwin (West Side Story).

Joining this incredible line up are Murray Cunynghame as Nick, Ewan Herdman as Kevin, Abbey McPherson as Shelby and Nina Hurley as Kayley. The ensemble comprises of Isabella Colusso, Rafael Gill, Sophie Gulloch, Kye Hall, Clementine Jenkins, Bella McSporran, Brock Rankmore, Jack Ryan, Sophie Sutton, Jasper Wind with Siena Bucknall and Justin Sacco as swings.

With direction by Teatro Co-Founder Andrew Bevis and co-direction and choreography by Teatro Co-Founder Nathan M. Wright and musical direction by Bev Kennedy, THE PROM features a book by Tony Award winner Bob Martin (Elf, The Drowsy Chaperone) and Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (Aladdin), music by Tony Award nominee Matthew Sklar (Elf the Musical) and lyrics by Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin.

The Prom Artwork.jpg
The Prom Cast (c) Suzanne Gately.jpg

Co-founders and co-drectors Nathan M Wright and Andrew Bevis said “Choosing The Prom as Teatro’s third musical felt both deliberate and deeply personal. From the outset, Teatro was created to champion work that is joyful, relevant, and unapologetically human, and The Prom embodies all of that. Its infectious energy and its message of love, acceptance, and belonging speak directly to the kind of theatre we believe in and the community we are building. This cast is truly exceptional. What excites us most is the combination of leading artists with emerging voices, performers who are fearless, collaborative, and deeply connected to the story they are telling. It’s a company that reflects the spirit of The Prom itself: bold, inclusive, and full of joy.”

“A smart, big-hearted musical!” New York Magazine

“It’s so full of happiness that you think your heart is about to burst.” Variety

Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So, when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue
and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow-but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. Everyone deserves a chance to celebrate!

THE PROM made its world premiere at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia in August 2016 before it moved to Broadway and enjoyed a successful and critically acclaimed run. The musical was nominated for seven Tony Awards in 2019, including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score. It won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical and received multiple Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations as well.

In addition to its Broadway success, a Netflix film adaptation of THE PROM, directed and produced by Ryan Murphy and starring Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, James Corden, Jo Ellen Pellman, and Ariana DeBose, was released in December 2020.

So, grab your tickets and your friends and join the most joyful night of the year at THE PROM.

THE PROM
Season: From 24 March
Venue: Teatro at the Italian Forum, Norton Street, Leichhardt
Performance Times: Wed-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm
Prices: $75 for previews Tue 24 – Thu 26 March (a handling fee of $6.95 per transaction applies). From $85 for remaining dates (a handling fee of $6.95 per transaction applies)
Bookings: www.teatroitalianforum.com.au

 

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A Not-To-Be-Missed Storytelling And Music Extravaganza!

Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett

Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett Rating

★★★★★

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Amplified at Belvoir St is Sheridan Harbridge’s exhilarating homage to legendary Australian rock icon and Divinyls frontwoman, Chrissy Amphlett. Written and performed by Harbridge (Prima Facie), directed by the award-winning Sarah Goodes (The Weekend) with musical direction by Glenn Moorhouse (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Amplified enters the annals of Australian music historiography.

Part biography, part autobiography, part cabaret, part live concert, part tribute, Amplified is electrifying from the moment the band takes their places and Harbridge enters from the audience wearing knee length boots, a black leather mini skirt and a black trench adorned with silver glitter. She immediately owns the stage.

The show opens with Harbridge asking the audience to tap into their own experiences of seeing school-tunic wearing Chrissy on stage. The band then comes in with ‘I’ll Make you Happy’ and the audience responds. Cheers and applause fill the theatre and the energy is palpable. It’s a terrific and uplifting rendition.

Harbridge doesn’t try to imitate the unique and sublimely defiant Chrissy Amphlett, rather she uses music and stories told by Amphlett herself, and those who knew her, to keep the memories alive and, in doing so, evokes a sense of immortality surrounding the singer.

 

Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett
Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett
Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett

 

Amplified tells of Amphlett’s childhood in Geelong and of the circumstances that moulded her into the fierce, feminist, rebellious frontwoman she became.

To those who saw Divinyls on stage in their ‘80s and ‘90s heyday, the experience was unforgettable. Amphlett was unapologetically brash, raucous, overtly sexual and subversive, upending the then Australian music industry dominance of male lead singers. Harbridge showcases Amphlett’s bold stage persona, explores her vulnerabilities, and delves into her long and complicated relationship with Mark McEntee, the band’s co-founder.

This reviewer went to many Divinyls gigs and remembers one in particular at Caringbah Inn in the early 1980s where Amphlett spat on her, which felt like a badge of honour at the time. One never knew what Chrissy might do next!

Like Chrissy, Harbridge teases the audience, but, unlike Chrissy, does so in an unthreatening manner. She takes an unwitting patron’s handbag and empties it on stage; she interacts with the audience, bringing to life the icon’s bad girl persona in all its hilarious brilliance. This is definitely not a production for children.

The stage is backlit by blue lighting with several spotlights centred on Harbridge. The floor seems to be etched in silver swirls and circles emanating around the mic stand like a galaxy of stars, which evokes, in this viewer, the chaos and frenetic energy of Amphlett standing at the centre of her universe.

The four-piece band comprises accomplished musicians Glenn Moorhouse, Ben Cripps, Dave Hatch, and Clarabell Limonta. Their polished execution of songs and divine back-up vocals elevate Harbridge’s storytelling. Harbridge’s vocal range is impressive: from the guttural to falsetto, she doesn’t miss a beat. She uses a recurring motif to tease the audience, which I won’t reveal, have them wanting more and it works to great effect. The background music to Harbridge’s narration is low-key but performative to the story. The tempo walks with each particular narrative then explodes into song.

Sheridan Harbridge is an actor and writer of extraordinary talent. Her comedic timing and ad-libbed moments are things to behold. With Goodes and Moorhouse as collaborators, she has created a wonderful production that surely tugs the nostalgic heartstrings of theatre-goers across Australia.

To book tickets to Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett , please visit https://belvoir.com.au/productions/amplified/.

Photographer: Brett Boardman

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About The Musical – Maytide’s It Is Well with My Soul: The Musical

Feature-Maytide's It Is Well with My Soul: The Musical

Prepare to be enchanted and deeply moved by Maytide Theatre Company’s latest production, “It Is Well with My Soul: The Musical.” Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Broadbent, the Production Manager and Co-Author behind this powerful adaptation of the heartrending true story of Anna and Horatio Spafford.

About Maytide’s It Is Well with My Soul: The Musical

What is this Production about?

This beautiful tale of tragedy and faith is based on the true story of Anna and Horatio Spafford. It follows Anna’s journey from her Norwegian roots to 19th-century Chicago and later Jerusalem, capturing the couple’s faith and resilience after losing their four daughters in the S.S. Ville du Havre shipwreck. The narrative explores themes of grief, hope, redemption, and spiritual transformation, brought to life through original music, heartfelt performances, and rich historical context. The famous hymn “It Is Well with My Soul,” written by Horatio Spafford, has inspired our stage musical.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

Co-writing this adaptation of the story, it was challenging not only in the discovery of the many historical details needed to ensure accuracy, but also in ensuring it conveyed a captivating story across the stage for audiences. We have created more than just a retelling of a story – it’s a healing hymn in theatrical form.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I got a message from Director and Owner of Maytide Theatre Company, Ally Gum, about this play that was spoken about in a radio interview that had piqued her interest, and after she was done telling me about it, I was also hooked. I had always wanted to be involved in an Adelaide Fringe production, and I think the stars really aligned with this project

What sort of person is going to love this show?

In a Fringe festival that is full of short acts, and one-acts, It Is Well with Our Soul is a production that audiences can sink their teeth into, ingest something gritty for their brain to absorb.
This story is also inspired by a hymn that is now 153 years old, and well known across the globe in varying christian circles and churches, so parishioners will be keen to get their tickets too

Andrew Broadbent
Andrew Broadbent

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

Hopefully the audience will be reflecting on any comparisons in their life – if they’re going through a hard time, struggling with issues – they’ll be able to find the courage to reach out to their communities and seek assistance in their faith. Or maybe they’ll even find a new creative they want to follow on social media…

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

This show isn’t a comedy. When I think about the Fringe, keywords such as comedy, cabaret, experimental come to mind. But this is a historical drama that has been fleshed out by actors passionate in their craft that want to give their best to audiences

Who has the best costume?

We’ve had a sneak peek at the costumes already – Anna and her daughters in Act One have matching red/maroon costumes that look amazing together. Horatio’s early costume while he’s still young is also pretty schmick.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

In 2026, people face many struggles in their lives – the economic crisis, homelessness, unemployment, discrimination
 the list goes on. Through this story, we learn, and want our audiences to learn that we not only survive but prosper through our communities and our faith.

In the 1800s, the Spafford family faced many struggles themselves – the Great Chicago Fire, leaving ⅓ of the population homeless; the Ville du Havre shipwreck, losing their four daughters. They were surrounded by disaster, and even losing a child to scarlet fever and were lost until they found their community and focussed on their faith.

By penning the lyrics to It Is Well with My Soul, Horatio has helped and given comfort and guidance to many people over the last 150 years.

It Is Well inspires reflection and compassion, reminding viewers that sorrow need not define a life, and that love, service, and faith can chart a path forward. It offers not just a retelling—but a healing hymn in theatrical form. We are blessed for the chance to be sharing this story.

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

To book tickets to Maytide’s It Is Well with My Soul: The Musical, please visit https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/maytide-s-it-is-well-with-my-soul-the-musical-af2026.

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible journey and insights with us. We wish you all the best for “Maytide’s It Is Well with My Soul: The Musical” at the Adelaide Fringe. May your performances continue to inspire and move audiences with the powerful story of the Spafford family. Break a leg!

Other production interviews can be viewed in our About The Production Series.

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STARBOUND MUSICAL THEATRE – Talent, Tenacity, Teamwork!

Starbound

Starbound Rating

★★★★★

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‘Talent, Tenacity, Teamwork!’ titles the program to the annual STARBOUND MUSICAL THEATRE production. In its 22nd year, those three words really do sum up the high standard and work ethic of everyone involved.

Founded by Jason and Georgina Parker, experienced teachers in the world of drama and all things associated with the stage, they run a tight ship and ask for no less than complete commitment for two weeks from each and every performer, but this well-known husband/wife team along with a myriad of mentors and creatives are also very welcoming, friendly and encouraging.

Every January their annual show ‘STARBOUND’ is a delightful, funny, energetic, thought provoking and outright entertaining mix of musical theatre songs perfected by the strong young cast of students aged 14 – 21 (this year there were over 100!). Each individual song performance could be dropped straight into the musical it came from no questions asked. These young people on stage are all out of the box and they are, without doubt, potential future stars!

Having had my own eldest just leave to live overseas and take up a professional performing contract, I know what these kids on stage are going through and what many are hoping for: to work as a professional performer. Anywhere, but in Australia especially, this is a tough ride, a tough ask and a tough goal to achieve. Participating in STARBOUND MUSICAL THEATRE gives every single person on stage that opportunity – to experience what its actually like to be in a professional show and have the support of a creative team to learn from. The best in the business join Jason and Georgina each year to offer helpful tips and guidance. Putting on the show is just part of this intensive course. Over long rehearsal days, friendships are made and belief is built.

 

Starbound
Starbound
Starbound

 

They open spectacularly with TWENTY MILLION PEOPLE (‘My Favorite Year’), followed by OPENING NIGHT (‘The Producers’) and WHAT’S INSIDE/OPENING UP (‘Waitress’). Eagerly awaiting seeing ‘Waitress’ myself to come to Melbourne I absolutely enjoyed a little sneak-peak of the main character and all going on around her.

Following was my ‘pre-decided’ favourite number of the program I NEVER MET A WOLF WHO DIDN’T LOVE TO HOWL (‘Smash’). I watched the Smash series with my daughter after she received it on DVD as a gift years ago and we both squealed with excitement when we heard it was actually becoming a musical. Again, thank you Starbounders for showing off this new work – I have to remind myself that everyone on stage is under the age of 22. So much talent!!!

Lots more favourites continue on with pizzazz and enviable costuming. Who doesn’t love a chance to BEND AND SNAP (‘Legally Blonde’) or completely flip emotion and cry with ONE MORE DAY (‘Les Miserables’) bringing the house down prior to interval.

The fact they’ve done this in two weeks is unbelievable and something lots of the audience are talking about whilst perusing over the ‘Company 26’ names in the program waiting for the curtain to go up again.

An equally fantastic second act included colourful interpretations of ONE SHORT DAY (plus others from ‘Wicked’). Brilliant pink v. green lighting helped make these outstanding and in fact no props were needed in the show, the lighting guys throughout are to be commended.

We finish the two hour production on another of my all-time faves, CONFIDENT (‘&Juliet’ – happy to be hearing it again after my last review) and CAN’T STOP THE FEELING (‘&Juliet’) gives an entire cast party atmosphere with the audience and stairs full of smiles, claps and waves to their loved ones watching on proudly. The theatre is packed!!!

On a side note, I took my Mum to this show and I always ask what my accompanying guest likes best – she loved THE MARCH (‘Suffs’) and said it was extremely powerful! She had not seen or heard of it before but truly understood the message of equality sought and portrayed by the strong presence coming through a young female ensemble. To have given such presentiment deserves recognition. There are still parts of the world where standing strong for equal rights is more than relevant. I am sure the audience felt that final stance in the row of black dresses.

And here’s a few more side notes I’d like to applaud:

The Heathers group with CANDY STORE, I haven’t seen this show, but now I want to!

The jump splits line (Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders inspired?) and all the choreography – NAILED

The ‘Cry-Baby’ transition from THE ANTI-POLIO PICNIC to WATCH YOUR ASS – two completely different songs but seamless, exceptionally well done (also loved the costuming and jiving here)

The guy playing Fiyero in DANCING THROUGH LIFE, exactly!

The tiny little girl who belted out CONFIDENT as confident as Demi L herself

I could go on and on
 CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!

If you have children or young adults you know interested in pursuing a career in Musical Theatre, STARBOUND MUSICAL THEATRE is definitely one to check out – see ‘how to audition’ on their website:

https://starboundmusicaltheatre.com.au

“The best two weeks of the year” would be in agreeance I imagine for hundreds of young people over more than two decades, and yes, some have even seen success not only securing roles in professional shows in Australia, but on Broadway too!

This annual show isn’t just for those families who know someone in it, its for anyone and everyone who love Musical Theatre so follow their Instagram @starboundmusicaltheatre

The Alexander Theatre is easy to get to, free parking on weekends, lovely to sit in comfy seats, a lift for anyone needing it and I think the only thing missing is the mandatory ‘choc top’ on the menu, will have to suggest that to them haha.

To book tickets to Starbound, please visit https://starboundmusicaltheatre.com.au/.

Photographer: Georgie Parker

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