musical

Cast Announced For The Australian Premiere Of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

Feature-A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL

Producers Paul Dainty and TEG Dainty, Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio are thrilled to announce the stellar Australian cast of the smash-hit musical A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL, which makes its Australian premiere exclusively in Melbourne in August 2026 at the Princess Theatre, with previews commencing on Wednesday 5 August. Due to overwhelming demand, the season has been extended by two weeks and is now playing through to Sunday 11 October 2026. Ticket presales commence today, with tickets to the general public on sale from 9am Thursday 19 February via www.ticketek.com.au. The Australian cast will join previously announced 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), 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).

Producer Paul Dainty AO said “The audition process for A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL was extraordinary. Together with members of the international creative team we saw an incredible calibre of performers from across Australia, and the depth of talent on display made this one of the most exciting casting journeys we’ve been part of. We’re immensely proud of the stellar Australian cast we’ve assembled — artists who bring not only exceptional vocal power, but heart, authenticity and a real connection to Neil Diamond’s music. Audiences are in for something truly special.”

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE BROADWAY CAST (2).jpg

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said “Victoria is the nation’s cultural capital and welcoming this musical is yet another example of how we’re bringing the world’s biggest productions to Melbourne – creating jobs, boosting tourism and giving audiences unforgettable experiences. This fantastic cast will make for a blockbuster musical experience for fans, giving people another great reason to plan a trip to Melbourne and experience everything the city has to offer.”

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.

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.

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 will make its Australian premiere exclusively in Melbourne in August 2026 at The Princess Theatre. Previews commence on Wednesday 5 August, 2026. Due to demand, new ticket presales commence today with tickets to the general public going on sale Thursday 19 February from www.ticketek.com.au.

“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

 

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Lead Cast Announced For Waitress Australian Premiere

Feature-WAITRESS

Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live today announced the stellar cast for the Australian Premiere of Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS, which will light up Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne from 1 May, and the Sydney Lyric Theatre from 1 August. Tickets are now on sale at waitressthemusical.com.au.

Leading the cast as Jenna will be Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Chicago, Shirley Valentine), while Gabriyel Thomas (Cats, Sister Act) and Mackenzie Dunn (Grease, Annie) play Becky and Dawn, Jenna’s coworkers at the diner. Charismatic star of stage and screen Rob Mills (& Juliet, Wicked) will play Dr Pomatter, and legendary actor John Waters (The Woman in Black, Play School) will be Joe, the owner of the diner.

One of Australia’s most popular leading ladies of stage and screen, Natalie Bassingthwaighte will play Jenna, an unhappily married waitress in a small US town. Natalie’s music career has seen her achieve acclaim as one of only twenty Australian solo female artists to reach Number One on the ARIA Album Charts with her solo album, 1000 STARS. She has enjoyed international success as front woman of The Rogue Traders, achieving multi-platinum sales across two albums, as well as two APRA nominations, an MTV award win and seven ARIA nominations. Most recently lauded for her performance on stage in the title role of last year’s Australian tour of Shirley Valentine, Natalie has created many memorable characters on stage including Roxie in Chicago, Mary-Jane in Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill, Sandy in Grease and Florence Vassy in Chess. Her work on television includes the original host of So You Think You Can Dance, judge on The X Factor, and competing alongside her sister Mel on The Amazing Race.

Direct from her acclaimed performance as Grizabella in the national tour of Cats, the role of Becky, the irascible waitress with a wicked sense of humour, will be played by Gabriyel Thomas. Gabriyel’s other credits included Michelle and sometimes the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier in the Australian tour of Sister Act, The Sound of Music, Ragtime and the Australian and US tours of Hairspray.

Rob Mills, Mackenzie Dunn, Natalie Bassinthwaighte, Gabriyel Thomas, John Waters (c) Peter Brew-Bevan.jpg
Rob Mills, Natalie Bassinthwaighte, John Waters WAITRESS (c) Peter Brew-Bevan.jpg

Most recently seen on stage as Lily St Regis in the Australian tour of Annie, Mackenzie Dunn will be Dawn, the eccentric youngest waitress at the diner. Mackenzie has also played Rizzo in Grease, Penny Pingleton in Hairspray, Squeaky Fromme in Assassins, Francine in Jersey Boys, Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime, Bubba in Summer of the Seventeenth Doll and understudied and performed the role of Princess Fiona in the Australian tour of Shrek.

Charming stage and screen star Rob Mills will be playing Dr Pomatter, Jenna’s endearing but neurotic gynaecologist. Rob has had celebrated roles in musicals including & Juliet, Wicked, Hairspray, Ghost, Jesus Christ Superstar and Grease, and on screen in Neighbours, Winners and Losers, Dancing With The Stars and the 2025 season of The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition.

As Joe, the curmudgeonly diner owner who has a soft spot for Jenna, will be stage icon John Waters. With a career spanning over 50 years, John is well known for lead roles in the film Breaker Morant and the television series Rush, All the Rivers Run, Rake and his 20-year run on Play School. His prolific stage work includes Hair, Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar in the 1970s, through to the musicals The Rocky Horror Show, They’re Playing Our Song opposite Jackie Weaver, The Sound of Music opposite Lisa McCune and most recently the thrilling play The Woman in Black.

“I’m overjoyed to announce this extraordinarily talented cast. They will beautifully bring to life the delightful characters in this original and inspiring production,” said John Frost. “WAITRESS was a massive hit on Broadway where it played for almost four years, and was a huge success in the West End and across the world. WAITRESS has become a ‘must see’ musical, with its memorable music by Sara Bareilles and universal themes of hope and resilience. Get your tickets now to enjoy this life-affirming show.”

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.

If only life were as easy as pie


WAITRESSTHEMUSICAL.COM.AU

MELBOURNE SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: From 1 May
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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Waitlist Now For Anastasia The Musical Coming To The Lyric Theatre Qpac, Brisbane From September 2026

Feature-Anastasia – The Broadway Musical

Producers John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia are delighted to announce that Broadway musical ANASTASIA will premiere in Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre at QPAC from September 2026. The crowd-favourite musical made its Australian debut in December at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre wowing audiences and critics alike. Tickets will go on pre-sale for the Brisbane season to those who have signed up to the waitlist on Monday 2 March and to the general public from Friday 6 March.

Time Out Melbourne called the musical a “charming theatre experience” that was “destined to deliver theatrical magic” while The Music said it was “a theatrical spectacle that dazzles on every front and will leave you spellbound” and Beat Magazine said that the musical’s “dazzling Australian premiere is rich with powerful performances.”

The cast includes Queensland’s own Georgina Hopson as Anya, Robert Tripolino as charming con artist Dmitry, Joshua Robson in the role of antagonist Gleb, Rodney Dobson as Vlad, the much-loved Rhonda Burchmore as Countess Lily and theatre icon Nancye Hayes AM in the role of the Dowager Empress.

“As a very proud Queenslander, I just can’t wait to share the magic of ANASTASIA with Brisbane audiences. It’s a beautiful story to be immersed in, accompanied by iconic songs that invoke a nostalgic feeling of our shared childhood including Once Upon a December and Journey to the Past,” said Georgina Hopson, who trained at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. “ANASTASIA’s message is the importance of home, love and family, and to me Queensland represents all of this so I can’t wait to share the story with local audiences,” she added.

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

The ensemble cast members include Sophia Bae, Elliot Baker, Billy Bourchier, Nicholas Cunningham, Davis Giotopoulos Moore, Todd Goddard, Stephanie Kurlow, Keian Langdon, Bella Minniti, Nathan Stafford, Alexis Van Maanen, Annie Wilson, Deone Zanotto, and Andrea Zappacosta with the Swings team featuring Manon Gunderson-Briggs, Iosefa Laga’aia, Nathan Pinnell and Emma Russell.

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.

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).

“Fantastical, intelligent, well-crafted, and exhilarating, ANASTASIA deserves a coronation!” – The Wall Street Journal
“Captivating, beautifully staged and emotionally vital. ANASTASIA hits the sweet spot!” – The Hollywood Reporter
“One of the most gorgeous shows in years! Luscious, lavish, and a joy that leaves you cheering. This is a grandiloquent feast for the senses you won’t soon forget.” – The New York Observer

ANASTASIA – THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
Produced by John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia in special collaboration with Stage Entertainment Productions, Tom Kirdahy, Hunter Arnold and Dan Hinde

Regent Theatre, Melbourne until 20 February 2026
Crown Theatre Perth from March 2026
Lyric Theatre, Sydney from April 2026
Festival Theatre Adelaide from August 2026
Lyric Theatre QPAC, Brisbane from September 2026

WAITLIST NOW for Brisbane season tickets via www.anastasiathemusical.com.au

 

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Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia! The Musical

Mamma Mia! The Musical Rating

★★★★★

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Mamma Mia! is ÎŒÎ”ÎłÎ±Î»ÎżÏ€ÏÎ”Ï€ÎźÏ‚ (magnificent!)

A little Greek island has popped up in Melbourne’s beautiful old National Theatre.

As I arrive walking in behind two girls who had been turning heads walking down the footpath in full blue jumpsuits and white boots, many more were in the foyer dressed up Insta-ready for a night in the world of ABBA songs and a journey of love, laughter and finding out what’s really important about family.

I’ve seen Mamma Mia! 12 times and each time I love it more. Who doesn’t love ABBA? Well, if you don’t, don’t let it stop you from going because this musical offers surplus to ‘thank you for the music’.

The story in Mamma Mia! is super-charged with questions. ‘What would’ve happened if I’d done that?’ ‘What will happen if I do that now?’

This is where Mamma Mia! sits – a story centering around an important choice where villa owner Donna, played exceptionally well by Bek Chapman, chose to embark on a solo-parenting life. Her now 20 year old daughter Sophie, played beautifully by Belle Parkinson, is confused as to why she does not know her Dad and so invites three potential mentions in Donna’s old diary to her upcoming wedding at the villa, but without telling her mother she has done so. Donna and Sophie share many heartfelt moments and the fact they look similar make it more believable as mother and daughter co-stars. (I tried not to cry this time at ‘Slipping Through My Fingers’ but did not succeed – likewise I have girls who wore pigtails)

Strong performances by Sophie’s three possible Dads, all played by accomplished thespians, Sam Anderson as Sam Carmichael, Shannon Foley as Harry Bright and Luke Stephens as Bill Austin, they all give each of their characters due seriousness and light-heartedness. When you have three leads like this with this type of experience you are going to get a WOW factor regardless; they bounce off each other like they’ve been performing the show for months already.

 

Mamma Mia! The Musical
Mamma Mia! The Musical
Mamma Mia! The Musical

 

Adding to the males in this impressive cast is Jesse Vasiliadis as Sky (Sophie’s future husband). Jesse is a grad of WAAPA Fine Arts Acting, I particularly felt all his lines were so well delivered I could’ve been watching the movie in those parts, and in any of the more complex movements required about the stage at various times he was also nimble on his feet!

Sky’s buddies Pepper played by Abe Geyer and Eddie played by Deklan Haas were every bit the clowns, so funny!

As for Sophie’s supportive besties; Elena Atanasovski is fabulous as Ali, her training at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance definitely shows; and Ally Long as Lisa, a graduate from the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre – yes excellent! They both understudy main roles too so look out for these two.

There is some hard-hitting choreography in this rendition (by choreographer Adriana Pannuzzo). The energy of the cast is overall infectious and I loved how they added dancers on side to many songs. The ‘moving bed’ is a huge prop to work with and is shown off by brilliant co-ordination of lighting (Ian Scott). The choreography particularly in this scene, ‘Under Attack’, is absolutely well thought out as it’s difficult to make such a scene look seamless.

As is common in this musical, the audience went wild for all the boys in their flippers on stage with the character of Donna’s friend Tanya played by Sasha Hennequin teasingly singing ‘Does Your Mother Know’ and this is usually my favourite. It was fantastic as always and Sasha is superb as the foxy Tanya, however my smile muscles got another good workout watching the interactions of Donna’s other bestie Rosie played by Antoinette Davis with her very direct sex appeal toward the initially hesitant, but then enthusiastic Bill played by Luke Stephens – they were frick” hilarious!!! That ‘Take a Chance on Me’ scene stole ‘best in show’ for me this time around.

Within the ensemble I noticed constantly Patrick Friedlander shining and later learned with no surprise he is a WAAPA graduate and was chosen as the show’s Dance Captain. Another was Geelong’s Lily Mullen-Wood getting my attention, I flip through the program and yes no wonder, she’s currently training at Transit Dance with Andrew Hallsworth. Definitely two to watch in future amongst this whole group of top talents.

Finale was sparkly and spectacular with the biggest ABBA hits! ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Waterloo’ and naturally ‘Dancing Queen’ saw EVERYONE getting involved in the atmosphere, and I have to give credit to Karen Spencer for her outstanding use of having those quick change costumes!

I recommend you grab a bunch of friends (Abba loving or not), dress up (or at least wear something blue), and say I do I do I do want to go see Mamma Mia!

Congratulations to Director Pip Mushin and Musical Director Kent Ross working on this show with Executive Producer Andrew Gyopar and their entire production team, cast, crew and creatives.

CAST:
DONNA – Bek Chapman
SOPHIE – Belle Parkinson
SAM – Sam Anderson
HARRY – Shannon Foley
BILL – Luke Stephens
ROSIE – Antoinette Davis
TANYA – Sasha Hennequin
ALI – Elena Atanasovski
LISA – Ally Long
SKY – Jesse Vasiliadis
PEPPE – Abe Geyer
EDDIE – Deklan Haas
ENSEMBLE – Alessandra Negro, Angelo Vasilakakos, Darcy Ward, Gabrielle Ward, Isabella Gangi, Isabelle Pascua, Joey Phyland, Lauchie Mant, Lily Mullen-Wood, Matilda Simmons, Patrick Friedlander, Sophie Loughran, Steve Thomas.

To book tickets to Mamma Mia! The Musical, please visit https://agtheatre.com.au/mammamia/.

Photographer: Natalie Edge Photography

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