musical

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.

MJ The Musical - Illario Grant_credit_Daniel Boud_800_HEBE.jpg
MJ The Musical_Sydney Lyric_credit_Daniel Boud_692 Si.jpg

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

Feature-WAITRESS

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.”

Natalie Bassingthwaighte as Jenna in WAITRESS (c) Jeff Busby_3066.jpg

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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Good Company

Company

Company Rating

★★★★★

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Company the Musical (music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth) is a show, originally produced in 1970, about Robert, a newly 35 year old man, who is constantly questioned about why he remains single. The musical takes us on a journey of self-discovery with Robert as he discovers the struggles of being tied down in a long-term relationship while also experiencing the loneliness of remaining single. This show is performed by the 3rd Year Music Theatre students from WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts). The character of Robert is double casted, played by Josh Condon and Cooper Williams, depending on which performance you attend. I had the privilege of watching the opening night performance with Cooper Williams portraying the leading role and got to experience his passion during the performance, especially through the musical numbers and dances.

Though the plot is fairly simple, the choreography by Bernie Bernard and the songs, written by the well-known Stephen Sondheim, certainly make up for it. My eyes were glued to the stage during the performance, especially throughout the musical numbers which captured the attention of all those seated in the theatre. From the minute the stage lights turned on, the audience began to laugh, lasting throughout the night, making for a great night out for those looking to keep their evening light hearted. The actors have wonderful comedic timing and the dialogue and monologues felt incredibly real and natural. The props of the show are handled effortlessly, as they moved on and off stage in the blink of an eye by the wonderful cast and the crew working behind the scenes. The musical numbers are powerful, and pull you in from the first lyric. I appreciated the physical comedy of the show, such as when the audience gets to watch a married couple battle it out through karate (a very standard practice in most marriages, so I’ve heard).

 

Company
Company
Company

 

The curved stage is a unique set up and the simplicity of the set allows the audience to fully take in the performance. They have chosen to utilise a scrim in some scenes and all the sets and props were practical – not leaning into the modern technique of using screens to create backdrops. There is a live band off to the side, conducted by Craig Dalton. During the quieter moments of dialogue, sound effects such as rain and a busy Manhattan street fill the background to immerse us into the story. The hair and costumes reflect the 70’s era authentically and the costumes are vivid yellows, browns, and greens that fully immerse us in the era.

I highly recommend this show to anyone looking for a fun night out, especially to those young people who are preparing to pursue an education in the performing arts so you can see exactly the kind of performances that WAAPA can create.

Company is playing at State Theatre Centre of WA from 6 June to 11 June, 2026.

To book tickets to Company, please visit https://www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/venues/state-theatre-centre-of-wa/whats-on/company.

Photographer: Stephen Heath

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Recovering Eldest Daughter

Recovering Eldest Daughter

Recovering Eldest Daughter Rating

★★★★★

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Rachel Tunaley’s “Recovering Eldest Daughter” was a riotous way to spend Saturday night. It was her first time performing in Sydney but not my first time watching her perform. I saw her show “Motion Sickness” in Adelaide Fringe in 2025 and absolutely loved it, so I was very interested in seeing what she had cooked up this year. The show’s description gripped me from the outset with mentions of mental illness and eldest daughter syndrome, and it did not disappoint. However, I do not think you need to be an eldest daughter to enjoy the show. It was cleverly Australian and relatable for anyone who has dealt with a perfectionist, overbearing, control freak in their life or just has a family really.

I attended with my housemate and we have both been dealing with another, departing housemate who has her share of mental illness and neurospiciness. “Recovering Eldest Daughter” was the collective, cathartic release we, and all the audience, needed. Rachel cleverly used audience participation to keep engagement and make it feel like a group therapy session. Her connection with the audience was electric and quips breaking the fourth wall were inspired, especially when she was admonishing us for laughing hard in a “serious” song or commenting that she couldn’t have “made it” since she didn’t have a full house. My housemate and I did not stop laughing through the whole performance.

 

Recovering Eldest Daughter
Recovering Eldest Daughter
Recovering Eldest Daughter

 

Rachel used brilliantly simple lighting, staging and props to convey big ideas. I always love shows that use a projection to their advantage, especially in this age of social media. Recovering Eldest Daughter did this extremely well with real clips from Rachel’s life showcasing that she has always been a self-proclaimed “Drama Queen”, as well as lyrics for audience sing-a-long participation and really driving her points home visually. Straight away we knew who she was and where the show was going which is reassuring as an audience member. Voice over was also used to add layers and introduce us to other characters though it was just Rachel on the stage.

When I saw motion sickness (if I remember correctly) Rachel was using songs we knew but changing the lyrics to fit the story. This time, it seemed to be original music and that she has found her own voice and something more to say. The pace was perfect, it allowed you to really take in the message but we were not able to get bored. Rachel is a very talented performer with a powerful voice and not only for cabaret or musical theatre style tunes but busts out into rap too. Her dancing and physical comedy was hilarious and she really committed to the bit. “Intrusive thot” was a huge highlight for us, we even bought merch! Throughout the show, Rachel was very open and vulnerable, sharing quite a personal story about her journey to acceptance of her mental health diagnosis and work healing her inner child. Who knew it was as simple as a cheeky dopamine purchase!

I highly recommend seeing this show while Rachel is in Sydney, it’s a very professional and personal take on musical comedy and I think it won’t be long until she is off to Edinburgh!

To book tickets to Recovering Eldest Daughter, please visit https://tickets.qtopiasydney.com.au/Events/Recovering-Eldest-Daughter.

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