The resurrection is here, in the form of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera based on one of the most popular books ever published, the Bible. Lifted from the reimagined 50th-anniversary production launched by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London, this new Aussie tour opened at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre will all due pomp in circumstance. It is a spectacular interpretation, hewing closely to Webber and Rice’s chapter and verse, but proving there’s space within those constraints to be passionate, creative, and immensely impressive.
From the razzle dazzle of big budget spectaculars to understated indie gems, there's pretty much always a mind-boggling amount of entertainment to pick from on Sydney's stages. It's been a bumper year for musicals, and that trend isn’t about to take a bow anytime soon. One of the biggest openings of the year is the brand new national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s OG rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, kicking off right here in Sydney at the Capitol Theatre. Meanwhile, Sydney's exclusive return season of the epic Hamilton continues to dominate the stage throughout the summer, alongside the ridiculously satirical fun of Titanique, and the Hayes is bringing it home with the Christmas classic Holiday Inn (until Dec 22). Then in January, get ready to journey into Middle Earth with the Down Under debut of The Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale (from Jan 7).
Are you into dance? Then be sure you don't miss the latest iteration of Bangarra's Dance Clan (closes Dec 14), which is showcasing incredible work from up-and-coming Indigenous choreographers. Looking for something entirely different? The Famous Spiegeltent has popped up inside the industrial-chic surrounds of Carriageworks for a fabulous Summer Program, and it's bursting at the seams with stunning cabaret and circus, including new shows from the salaciously sexy Briefs brigade (they're packin' boylesque and drag) as well as the family-friendly Flying Fruit Fly Circus.
How about some meaty drama? Sink your teeth into the family squabbles of The Inheritance (closes Dec 8), a transcendent two-part epic that's well worth your time; or get ready to cry your eyes out over the brilliance of Pamela Rabe in August: Osage County over at Belvoir. Read on for more of our top theatrical picks.
