QPAC

Cast Announced For New Australian Production Of Steel Magnolias

Feature-Steel Magnolias

Producers Neil Gooding and Alex Woodward today are thrilled to announce an all-star cast featuring some of the country’s most recognisable and celebrated television actors for the upcoming production of STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Under the direction of Lee Lewis, this dazzling new Australian production brings together an extraordinary ensemble led by Lisa McCune, Belinda Giblin, Debra Lawrance, Mandy Bishop, Jessica Redmayne and Lotte Beckett – a line up that reads like a who’s who of Australian television, now uniting on stage for one of theatre’s most cherished plays. Written by Robert Harling, the timeless tale of STEEL MAGNOLIAS will tour to QPAC, Brisbane from April 2026, Theatre Royal Sydney in May 2026, Wollongong and Canberra in June 2026, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth in July 2026 and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from July 2026. Tickets are on sale now.

In the role of M’Lynn is Gold Logie winner and leading lady of stage and screen Lisa McCune (Blue Heelers, The 39 Steps) joined by Home and Away icons, Belinda Giblin (Amadeus, Doubt) as Ouiser and Debra Lawrance (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child AU and UK, A Christmas Carol) as Clairee. Acclaimed performer Mandy Bishop (Wharf Revue, Blue Heelers) plays Truvy while current Home and Away star Jessica Redmyane (800 Words, The Great Gatsby) plays Shelby. Newcomer Lotte Beckett (Julia, The Election Monologues) joins this elite line up in the role of Annelle.

Director Lee Lewis said “Once upon a time I wished for the best cast ever for Steel Magnolias…. Lisa McCune! BRILLIANT! Belinda Giblin! LEGEND! Deborah Lawrence! FABULOUS! Mandy Bishop! OUTRAGEOUS! Jessica Redmayne! GORGEOUS! Lotte Beckett! PERFECT!!!! Yes, said my fairy godmother, you shall have a ball.”

Lewis continued, “Assembling a magic cast for this very special play has been a real joy. This story means so much to so many people and I can’t wait to bring everyone together to revisit all the love, laughter and tears that fill Truvy’s salon. A dream cast for a play that lives in all our dreams.”

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Jessica Redmayne, Lisa McCune, Debra Lawrance, Mandy Bishop, Belinda Giblin, Lotte Beckeet (c) Benny Capp_4676.jpg

Step inside Truvy’s beauty salon, the heart of a small Southern town, where local women share their joys, struggles and a little neighbourly gossip. From weddings and babies to divorces and funerals, they face life’s highs and lows with humour, courage and impeccably styled hair. When tragedy strikes, it’s in these familiar walls that they find comfort, support and the unbreakable bonds of friendship that carry them through.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS originally opened in Australia at the York Theatre at Sydney’s Seymour Centre in May 1988 and toured to Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, featuring a cast which included Maggie Dence, Nancye Hayes, Melissa Jaffer, Genevieve Lemon, Pat McDonald and Nicole Kidman making her professional stage debut.

Bursting with sass, warmth and Southern charm, STEEL MAGNOLIAS delivers laughter, love and unforgettable heart.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS
By Robert Harling
Director – Lee Lewis
Composer & Sound Designer – Brady Watkins
Set and Costume Designer: Simone Romaniuk
Lighting Designer – Paul Jackson
Producer – Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions
By Arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical
On behalf of Samuel French Ltd, A Concord Theatricals Company

SEASON DETAILS

BRISBANE
Venue: Playhouse Theatre, QPAC
Season: 30 April – 10 May
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: qpac.com.au or phone 136 246
Groups 8+ call (07) 3840 7466

SYDNEY
Venue: Theatre Royal Sydney
Season: 13 – 31 May
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm & 6pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: theatreroyalsydney.com or 1300 163 808

WOLLONGONG
Venue: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
Season: 3 – 11 June
Performance Times: Tues 6:30pm, Wed 11am or 1:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm, Thurs 1:30pm & 6:30pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 1:30pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: merrigong.com.au or (02) 4224 5999
Groups 8+ call (02) 4224 5999

CANBERRA
Venue: Canberra Theatre Centre
Season: 17 – 21 June
Performance Times: Wed 6:30, Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Thurs 2pm, Sat-Sun 1pm, Sun 6pm (times vary weekly)
Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au or (02) 6275 2700
Groups 8+ call (02) 6275 2727

PERTH
Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth
Season: 7 – 18 July
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm
Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au or (08) 6212 9292
Groups 8+ call (08) 6212 9291 or email groups@artsculturetrust.wa. gov.au

MELBOURNE
Venue: Athenaeum Theatre
Season: 23 July – 9 August
Performance Times: Tues- Thurs 7pm, Fri -Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm
Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or phone (03) 9650 1500
Groups 8+ visit ticketmaster.com.au
Groups 20+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au

 

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Annie

Annie

Annie Rating

★★★★★

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The appropriately cast production of “Annie: The Musical” was a spectacular success last Friday night and was a delight to the audience at QPAC’s Lyrics Theatre. The charming tale of the orphan, Annie, on a mission to find her true family continues to be widely beloved and celebrated in theatres around the world. The same should be said for this particular performance.

From set designs, to costumes to vocal technique, this production was one I find very difficult to fault. The use of colour, space and choreography was seamlessly integrated with professionalism and skill.

I admired the directorial style when it came to blocking, movement and the insistence on highly polished choreography. You can see examples of this in scenes with songs such as “Hard Knock Life,” and “Little Girls,” where such expression is important in identifying the intents and purposes of the characters who are contributing to the scene.

The sets had seamless transitions from scene to scene, with the various choices in lighting allowing for the cast to complete their songs or monologues without interference.

Spotlights and low, white wash lighting were used in scenes that showed the orphanage, the streets of NYC, and the alleyways in which the orphans would play. Warmer lighting was used for more cheerful and uplifting scenes, such as those within the Warbucks mansion or President Roosevelt’s office.

The band were highly polished, accompanying scenes appropriately and with the vigour and skill that the show demanded.

Casting was especially notable and each player was quite admired. From the ensemble to the leading roles, each performer put in their all and had the audience in the palm of their hands. Each scene was highly engaging and enjoyable, capturing the essence of family, honesty and seeking hope when things seem bleak.

 

Annie
Annie
Annie

 

Now for some notable mentions. Anthony Warlow played a highly believable and entertaining role as Oliver Warbucks. He exuded the confidence and humility that the character called for with professionalism and a natural talent to capture the hearts of his audience with his wonderful, versatile voice. His performance was highly enjoyable and quite the privilege.

Debora Krizak was a wonderful Miss Hannigan and was effortlessly entertaining. Her skills in physical comedy and vocal performance create a captivating portrayal of the orphanage manager, making the role more accessible for audiences to engage with, rather than simply being a villain in Annie’s story. Amazing work.

Keanu Gonzalez played a great Rooster Hannigan who exceeded my expectations. His vocals and dancing talents are highly commendable and a joy to watch. Gonzalez makes it seem like he was born for this role; playing the sly, young con man looking to live on “Easy Street,” and making it look fun and far too easy. I look forward to seeing Gonzalez in more productions.

Amanda Lea Lavergne played the marvellous, Grace Farrell who led Annie to the Warbucks mansion. Lavergne effortlessly captured the cheerful and beautiful secretary of Mr Warbucks elegantly and without missing a beat. It was a joy to watch how she portrayed Miss Farrell with her impressive vocal talent and expressive style.

I was excited to see Greg Page return to the stage and was overjoyed to see how he brought such life to his role, President Roosevelt. His smile and enthusiasm were contagious, his charisma, cheerful contributions to scenes, as well as his highly enjoyable vocal performance, were a testament to his experience and love of the craft. Page was a wonderful choice for this role, and I hope to see him succeed in future productions.

Finally, Matilda Casey’s portrayal of the orphan, Annie, was especially uplifting. Her bright and charming voice, along with her professionalism and expanding acting ability showed the audience throughout the show that she was definitely in the right place. Casey gave a marvellous performance and captured the hearts of her audience through Annie’s optimism and cheery disposition. I hope to see her in many more productions and seeing how her skill set grows over time.

Congratulations to all the cast and crew who made this performance of “Annie,” so great. I highly recommend the show and advise viewers to get their tickets ASAP!

To book tickets to Annie, please visit https://anniemusical.com.au/.

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Brisbane Annies And Child Cast Announced!

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Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live today revealed the young actors who will be playing the roles of Annie and her orphan friends in the upcoming Brisbane season of the ever-popular Broadway musical Annie, which opens at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC next month. Three gifted young performers will share the titular role of Annie – Matilda Casey, Dakota Chanel and Isabella Hayden. Playing the role of Pepper will be Stella Shiels-Winters and Kensi Simpson, while Violet Knight and Aenorah Wallace will share the role of Duffy. As Kate will be Jessica Kime and Aubrie Wildman, with Tessie played by Zara Boldery and Sienna Hannant. July will be played by Tilly Love and Claire Taylor, and Molly by Indigo Ohlin and Macy Salvana. Emily Birch, Dakota Bolt, Charlotte Edwards and Aneka Mitchell have been cast as Friday.

They will join the stellar cast led by Anthony Warlow as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, the role which took him to Broadway, and Debora Krizak as Miss Hannigan. Rising star Mackenzie Dunn plays Lily St. Regis, Keanu Gonzalez steps into the role of “Rooster” Hannigan, while Amanda Lea LaVergne plays Grace Farrell. The original Yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, plays President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his musical theatre debut.

The talented ensemble cast is comprised of Luke Alleva, Cameron Boxall, Tim Brown, Emily Casey, Nakita Clarke, Andrew Dunne, Sebastian Johnston, Anna Mallows, Chloë Marshall, Kristina McNamara, Tom New, Ryan Orphel, Madeline Pratt, Lisa Sontag, Suzanne Steele and Dean Vince.

“I’m extremely excited to announced this wonderfully talented group of young actresses who will be playing Annie and her orphan friends in Brisbane. They were chosen from hundreds of girls who registered for an audition, and all stood out as marvellous performers. They join the rest of the cast led by Anthony, Deb, Mackenzie, Keanu, Amanda and Greg – we have a spectacular company,” said John Frost. “This is a magnificent new production of Annie for a whole new generation. Line up now to buy your tickets to one of the most delightful and inspiring musicals of all time. Don’t wait until Tomorrow!”

Sydney child cast in ANNIE (c) Daniel Boud (1).jpg

This inspiring new Australian production, directed by Karen Johnson Mortimer and choreographed by Mitchell Woodcock, has been playing in Sydney and Melbourne to packed audiences and standing ovations. Here is what critics have to say about this unmissable production: ★★★★★ “The production was a knockout” – Melbournise Me; ★★★★ “Filled with optimism, joy and hope … a great reason for a night on the town” – Time Out; ★★★★ ½ “Annie offers a fun night out with its simple, classic storyline, beloved by many for generations” – Theatre Matters; ★★★★ “Theatrical sunshine” – Limelight; “This production is a triumph” – Australian Stage; “Annie proves the golden age of musical theatre is here…Broadway is so back” – thescoop.au

One of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time, with its iconic score featuring classics like It’s the Hard-Knock Life, Tomorrow, Easy Street and N.Y.C, Annie is truly a timeless masterpiece, with a book and score written by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin.

Based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” which debuted in 1924 and ran for over 80 years, the musical Annie burst into popularity in 1977 when it opened on Broadway. The musical won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book (Thomas Meehan) and Best Score (Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin), the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, and the Grammy® for Best Cast Show Album. After the Broadway run of almost six years, it has played in more than 22 countries worldwide including the UK, Argentina, Japan, Germany, Sweden, Spain and Australia. Annie became a smash-hit movie musical in 1982 starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney and Carol Burnett that is adored worldwide and a fixture of popular culture references.

A celebration of hope, family and friendship. This small but mighty young girl has returned to stick out her chin and grin once more!

BRISBANE SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Season: 27 December – 31 January
Performance Times: Tue 7:30pm; Wed, Fri, Sat 7pm; Matinees Wed & Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm; Sun 1pm & 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $70 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: anniemusical.com.au

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Final Tickets Now On Sale For Brisbane’s Hit Summer Musical, Annie

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Final tickets have been released today for the Brisbane season of the new Australian production of the ever-popular Broadway musical Annie, which begins on 27 December for five weeks only at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC. Brisbane’s blockbuster summer musical will play until 31 January, an ideal school holiday treat for the whole family. No extension to the season is possible.

This inspiring new Australian production, directed by Karen Johnson Mortimer and choreographed by Mitchell Woodcock, received huge acclaim and standing ovations in Sydney and Melbourne. Critics have praised the production with quotes including: “Annie offers a fun night out with its simple, classic storyline, beloved by many for generations” (Theatre Matters); “Filled with optimism, joy and hope … a great reason for a night on the town” (Time Out); “The production was a knockout” (Melbournise Me); “Theatrical sunshine” (Limelight); “This production is a triumph” (Australian Stage); and “Annie proves the golden age of musical theatre is here…Broadway is so back” (thescoop.au).

Stephanie-McNamara-Anthony-Warlow-and-ensemble-in-ANNIE-c-Daniel-Boud SMALLER.jpg
Stephanie McNamara and child cast in ANNIE (c) Daniel Boud_262.jpg

The stellar cast is led by Anthony Warlow as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks and Debora Krizak as Miss Hannigan. Mackenzie Dunn plays Lily St. Regis, Keanu Gonzalez plays “Rooster” Hannigan, and Amanda Lea LaVergne plays Grace Farrell. Greg Page plays President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his musical theatre debut. The talented ensemble cast includes Luke Alleva, Cameron Boxall, Tim Brown, Emily Casey, Nakita Clarke, Andrew Dunne, Sebastian Johnston, Anna Mallows, Chloë Marshall, Kristina McNamara, Tom New, Ryan Orphel, Madeline Pratt, Lisa Sontag, Suzanne Steele and Dean Vince. Auditions for the Brisbane Annies and her orphan friends have just happened, so the child cast will be announced shortly.

Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live said: “I’m thrilled with the response to this marvellous fresh production of Annie for a whole new generation, with its new choreography, updated sets and spectacular cast led by Anthony, Deb, Mackenzie, Keanu, Amanda and Greg. Annie is one of the most delightful and inspiring musicals of all time, and it’ll be in Brisbane for five weeks only. Don’t wait until tomorrow to book tickets for the summer holidays!”

One of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time, Annie features an iconic score with classics like It’s the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street and Tomorrow, with book and score by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. Based on the Harold Gray comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” (debuted 1924), the musical burst into popularity in 1977 when it opened on Broadway. It won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, and the Grammy for Best Cast Show Album. After a Broadway run of almost six years, it has played in more than 22 countries worldwide and became a hit movie musical in 1982 starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney and Carol Burnett.

A celebration of hope, family and friendship, this small but mighty young girl has returned to stick out her chin and grin once more!

BRISBANE SEASON DETAILS
Venue Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Season 27 December – 31 January
Performance Times Tue 7:30pm; Wed, Fri, Sat 7pm; Matinees Wed & Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm; Sun 1pm & 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $70 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: anniemusical.com.au or phone 136 246
Groups 8+ call (07) 3840 7466

 

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