From the story’s origins hundreds of years ago, to its transformation into the classic 1991 Disney film, Beauty and the Beast really is a tale as old as time. In its musical form, the production hasn’t been seen in Melbourne since the ’90s, when Hugh Jackman famously performed as Gaston in his first professional role. Fast forward three decades and we’re once again seeing a Melbourne stage transformed into the provincial town and Baroque castle we know so well. Only this time round, the lavish set design is augmented with cleverly integrated digital screens. It’s just one of several updates that ensure this reimagined production of the beloved fairytale keeps up with the times. From the moment the curtain rises, it’s clear this is a large-scale musical with all the belles, whistles and big bucks. Visual splendour is the MO here – think kaleidoscopic costumes, gasp-inducing illusions and spectacular lighting – and it’s easy to see why this show broke box office records at Brisbane’s QPAC. However, all that Disney investment would be useless without the gifted cast. Shubshri Kandiah exudes whimsy-with-a-backbone as bookworm Belle, charming us with her sweet songs and sassy moments – though the folks in her provincial town just don’t get it. Brendan Xavier’s beast is alternately ferocious and boyish. His startled squeals and hair-twirling moments help make Belle’s dramatic change in feelings a touch more believable. Both leads shine in their solo numbers, with Xavier’s ‘If I C
What's on stage in Melbourne?
Take a deep breath, music theatre fans, because Dear Evan Hansen is making its Melbourne premiere in December 2024. This musical tracing the story of an anxious high schooler forced into the spotlight has six Tony Awards under its belt and is known for being a raw, moving reflection on contemporary life. Last year, Sydney Theatre Company announced that it would bring Dear Evan Hansen to Australia for the first time ever, in a co-production with major musical producer Michael Cassel Group. Adding to this momentous news was the fact that this is the first original staging of the musical to be licensed since it was originated. Dear Evan Hansen will have its Australian premiere in Sydney in October, and now we can finally confirm that it's also going on tour. The exact details are still under wraps, but what we do know is that the show will move audiences at Arts Centre Melbourne's Playhouse Theatre in December. Multiple award-winning performer Verity Hunt-Ballard, who first won hearts as the world’s favourite nanny in the original Australian production of Mary Poppins, will play Evan’s mother Heidi Hansen. Music theatre icon Natalie O’Donnell, who starred as Donna in Mamma Mia! before joining the Australian company of Come From Away, will star as Cynthia Murphy; while legendary theatre star Martin Crewes plays her husband Larry Murphy. Newcomer Georgia Laga’aia steps into the role of Zoe Murphy – and yes, that name looks familiar because she is one of the eight children of Ja
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