2024’s Must-See Australian Musicals: Top Picks for Theatre Lovers
Australia is a country that is known for many things, but an often overlooked factor of the country’s cultural heritage is its musical theatres.
Australia’s vibrant theatre scene in 2024 not only promises a prominent lineup of musical shows set to entertain audiences of all ages but also mirrors the excitement found in Australia real money casinos. Both realms offer unique forms of entertainment and thrills that captivate their audiences.
With all that in mind, let’s look at which amazing musicals are already confirmed for this year and where you can exclusively watch them in the Down Under.
Chicago
We start with Chicago – Broadway’s longest-running show! This is a very sassy tale that is set in the 1920s. Its storyline revolves around the two murderers competing over who gets the services of a suspicious and shady lawyer.
Some of the biggest names will be part of the Australian tour of Chicago, including the likes of Anthony Warlow, Zoe Ventoura, and Lucy Maunder, to name a few.
Where to see:
- Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre – starting 23 March 2024
- Sydney’s Capitol Theatre – beginning on 9 June 2024
- Festival Theatre, Adelaide – beginning on 4 August 2024
&Juliet
&Juliet made its Australian debut in the first half of 2023, and this time, you can see it exclusively again in Perth and Sydney.
The main question in &Juliet is, ‘What if Romeo’s ending was Juliet’s beginning?’ So, you can expect an exciting concept of the storyline with a top-class song list encapsulating a disco musical.
Where to see:
- Sydney Lyric Theatre – from 12 May
Dear Evan Hansen
If you are more into inspiring and touching storylines, this musical is right for you! It covers the touching story of an anxious young man suddenly thrown into the spotlight when he unwittingly has a vital role for himself as a local tragedy occurs.
Dear Evan Hansen is a product of the collaboration between the Sydney Theatre Company and the Michael Cassel Group. With Dean Bryant as a director, seeing this musical finally make its Australian debut is exciting.
Where to see:
- Roslyn Packer Theatre – from 12 October to 17 November
Grease the Musical
How about a trip back in time? Grease the Musical is an iconic 1970s title that comes to life – now on stage!
It features a very talented cast of stars and rising young talents, which will surely bring the stories of Rydell High and the T-Birds and Pink Ladies to audiences in Australia. You can also expect some stunning songs in this musical – from ‘Summer Nights’ to ‘You’re the One That I Want’.
Returning to the cast, it features Joseph Psanti, Annelise Hall, Mackenzie Dunn, Patty Newton, Jay Laga’aia, and Marcia Hines.
Where to see:
- Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre – early March 2024
- Sydney’s Capitol Theatre – starting 24 March
- Perth’s Crown Theatre – 30 June 2024
Beauty and the Beast
Disney has just debuted its first musical in 2023 – Beauty and the Beast, and it invites all Australians to watch it again across the country this year!
Of course, the intelligent Belle finds herself imprisoned in the Beasts’ castle in the musical. However, she attracts the castle’s staff and starts seeing more of the Beast than his scary exterior. She discovers a kind heart within, so get ready to be nearly moved to tears!
Where to see:
- Queensland Performing Arts Centre – starting 15th February
- Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre – beginning on 27th June
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
The Australian theatre scene mourns the loss of the legendary Tina Turner, who passed away shortly after the debut of ‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’ in 2023. This celebrated show, which spent significant time at Sydney’s Theatre Royal, is set to embark on a national tour this year. A tribute to Tina’s extraordinary life and career, the musical showcases 23 of her hit songs, including ‘Simply The Best’, ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’, ‘Proud Mary’, and ‘Nutbush City Limits’. Audiences are invited to an in-depth exploration of Turner’s journey to stardom, overcoming challenges related to age, gender, and race. This piece is a powerful homage to her status as the global Queen of Rock’n Roll, highlighting her resilience and monumental success.
Where to see:
- Perth Crown Theatre – Now Playing
- Festival Theatre, Adelaide – from April 2024
- Queensland Performing Arts Centre – From June 2024
- Melbourne Princess Theatre – From September 2024
Hamilton the Musical
Finally, we have Hamilton the Musical, a riveting narrative of Alexander Hamilton’s ascent as a Founding Father and his quest for honour, love, and legacy. It has captivated Australian audiences since its tour between 2021 and 2023. Due to its overwhelming popularity, it’s slated for a grand finale performance in Sydney, where it first made its mark. Celebrated as a modern masterpiece, ‘Hamilton’ ingeniously fuses hip-hop and R&B, presenting a dynamic and contemporary take on historical events. This final chance to experience the musical in Sydney is a testament to its enduring appeal and innovative approach to storytelling.
Where to see:
- Sydney Lyric Theatre – from 30 July to October 2024
A Musical for Everyone
It is clear that Australians certainly can enjoy some stunning musicals throughout 2024, so there will be plenty to suit everyone’s taste! All left for you now is to choose which ones you want to attend and enjoy an immaculate show!
