Musical theatre shows not to miss in Australia this year
You don't have to fly all the way to London's West End or New York City's Broadway to catch a top theatre show this year.
There's plenty of epic productions lined up for 2024 around Australia to make it worth planning a cultural weekend interstate - or even in your own city.
9Travel's resident musical theatre obsessive Sarah Swain reveals the top 12 shows not to miss.
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& Juliet
This is a must-see for pop music fans and is set to have you bopping in the aisles.
& Juliet stars Lorinda May Merripor as Juliet. Daniel Boud
It's a fun and fresh take on what would have happened if Juliet didn't die at the end of the play, featuring hits from Katy Perry, Britney and Backstreet Boys.
But while Shakespeare does appear - he's played by Australian Idol singer Rob Mills - it sure won't remind you of Higher English.
It's heading to Sydney's Lyric Theatre this week where it will stay until June.
Book here and read 9honey's chat with one of the stars here.
West Side Story
The classic musical is returning to the epic outdoor stage top the water of Sydney Harbour at Mrs Macquarie's Chair.
Starring some of Australia's top performers it's set to be a spectacle, even for those who are not normally into theatre.
COMPETITION: Win a $15,000 cruise holiday to see the Northern Lights
West Side Story in Sydney. Supplied
A fireworks display is part of the show.
It's on from 22 March until 21 April. Book here
Groundhog Day
Aussie singer-songwriter and all-round genius Tim Minchin penned this acclaimed musical version of the classic Bill Murray film, and it's getting rave reviews.
Broadway star Andy Karl has relocated to Melbourne to play the lead role.
It's on at the Princess Theatre, until April 7, and won't be going anywhere else in Australia. Book here.
Andy Karl (Phil Connors) and the company in Groundhog Day. Supplied
Dear Evan Hansen
Dear Evan Hansen is an inspiring story of a socially anxious high schooler who is suddenly thrust into the spotlight when he inadvertently invents an important role for himself at the centre of a local tragedy.
It was a big hit in New York and London plus was made into a pretty good film.
It can now finally be seen at Sydney's Roslyn Packer Theatre from October 12.
Book here.
Beauty and the Beast
Family classic Disney show dazzles Sydney and is now on in Brisbane at QPAC.
It then heads to His Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne in June.
We'll never forget the epic rendition of Be Our Guest which commands standing ovations mid-show.
It's certainly one all the family will love.
Book here.
Wicked
The cult hit spin off from The Wizard of Oz will open at Melbourne's Regent Theatre from March.
It celebrates female friendship and diversity is filled with songs you'll want to listen to again and again.
James D. Gish and Talia Suskauer in the Broadway Production of Wicked. Joan Marcus
Catch it ahead of Wicked mania which is set to descend ahead of the movie version starring Ariana Grande being released later this year.
Book here and read about the stars here.
Rent
A new production of the classic show is touring Australia.
Set in New York City during the AIDS crisis it is full of musical theatre staples such as Seasons of Love.
Jonathan Larson wrote Rent, but died the night before the first show opened. Musical Theatre International
Tragically, composer Jonathan Larson never got to see its epic success.
It made $400m on Broadway and even became a film.
He collapsed and died in his kitchen the night an early version of the show opened in New York City.
He was just 35.
Doctors had earlier dismissed his chest pains, but actually had a heart defect caused by an undiagnosed condition.
Netflix movie Tick, Tick, Boom! starring Andrew Garfield tells his life story.
A new production of the classic show Rent is touring Australia. Set in New York City during the AIDS crisis it is full of musical theatre staples such as Seasons of Love. Supplied
This latest version of the show is now on in Melbourne, before heading to Newcastle, Perth and Canberra.
Book here.
Sister Act
It was a smash hit on Broadway and in the UK, and now Sister Act is coming to Australia.
It features songs from the original movie starring Whoopi Goldberg as well as more foot-tapping tunes.
It features songs from the movie starring Whoopi Goldberg as well as more foot tapping tunes. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
It will be at Sydney's Capitol Theatre from August, and Melbourne's Regent Theatre from November.
Tickets go on sale here at the end of the month.
Tina - the Tina Turner Musical
The story of how the late Tina Turner rose to fame was a massive hit in Sydney and made a star of actress Ruva Ngwenya
Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne are being treated to the show, which features some of the legend's biggest hits, next.
It's the type of show anybody will enjoy.
Book here.
Six
The unlikely subject of Henry VIII's six wives is the basis for this musical, which as become a massive cult hit - especially with teens.
The Queens form a 'pop group' and compete to see who had the worst time with Henry (including the two who were beheaded.) Supplied
It's less of a show and more of a concert, with the entire cast and band all talented women.
You'll be on your feet, bopping along at the end, with the 'queens' even encouraging filming the finale for social media.
More details have yet to be announced about the latest Australian tour, but you can sign up for details here and read more about the show here.
Hamilton
The biggest show of the past decade is returning to Sydney's Lyric Theatre in June.
The mega-hit historical tale, which is rapped and sung, shouldn't be missed.
It has surpassed $1.5b in ticket sales globally, making it one of the world's most popular shows ever.
Get more details here and read more here.
Marty Alix, Jason Arrow, Victory Ndukwe and Shaka Cook in Hamilton. Daniel Boud/Supplied
Grease
You better shape up and go see Marcia Hines and Jay Laga'aia star in the classic show at Sydney's Capitol Theatre.
It's on from 24 March then heads to Perth from June.
Book tickets here.
