18 December 2019
Marco Gandolfi
There are many things that come to mind when you think of Sydney - the Opera House and Bondi Beach being just two. But, did you know that this city is also a great place to see musical theatre?
Here are the must-see musical theatre productions to help you decide which one to book tickets for:
Billy Elliot the Musical
Where? Sydney Lyric, Darling Harbour
When? 30th October 2019 - 15th December 2019
Billy Elliot is back in Sydney 12 years after it was first here (when it won a number of Helpmann Awards). Based on the 2000 film of the same name, this musical has been touring since 2005. The story follows a young boy in northern England who dreams of being a dancer and has to struggle against the odds to pursue his passion. The songs are written by Elton John.
School of Rock the Musical
Where? Capitol Theatre, Haymarket
When? 10th November 2019 - 26th January 2020
This rock musical is an adaptation by Andrew Lloyd Webber of the 2003 Jack Black film. It follows a wannabe rock star who poses as a supply teacher at a prestigious school. He sets the curriculum aside to transform his straight A students into a rock band before attempting to get them to Battle of the Bands. The show has already been on the West End and Broadway.
Shrek the Musical
Where? Sydney Lyric, Darling Harbour
When? 1st January 2020 - 31st January 2020
Shrek, Princess Fiona and Lord Farquaad are all taking to the stage to recreate the magic of the 2011 Dreamworks movie with songs including ‘I’m a Believer.’ The green ogre was on Broadway from 2008 where the show was nominated for a whopping eight Tony Awards as well as the West End in 2011.
Six the Musical
Where? Sydney Opera House
When? 4th January - 5th March 2020
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived - this musical tells the story of Henry VIII’s six wives. In the musical, the wives are trying to decide who should be the lead singer of their pop band. Their songs are inspired by the girl bands we know and love today. This show started in the UK after being written by Cambridge university students between their studies and has been nominated for five Olivier Awards. It’ll be heading to Broadway after it has been in Sydney.
9 to 5 the Musical
Where? Sydney Lyric, Darling Harbour
When? 21st April - 8th May 2020
Dolly Parton fans rejoice! This musical is based on the 1980 comedy by Patricia Resnick which saw Dolly who played Doralee take revenge on her boss alongside two workmates. It will feature much of her back catalogue including, of course, ‘9 to 5.’ The show opened in 2009 on Broadway and has also been to the West End.
Frozen
Where? Capitol Theatre, Haymarket
When? 7th July - 25th October 2020
If you have been singing ‘Let It Go’ since Frozen was first released on the big screen back in 2013, then you are in for a treat because it is coming to the stage. The musical first took to the Broadway stage in early 2018 and is now heading to Sydney, ahead of the West End. It will stay true to the Disney film, with your favourite songs and a few new ones too.
Now you just need to decide which one you are going to see.