All the Aussie musicals worth travelling for in the coming months
When I was at school I wore out my tape of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
But I never mentioned to many pals that I liked musicals.
They were rather daggy back then. Something that only old people and geeky, spectacle-wearing kids who played the violin (like me) went to see.
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Book of Mormon in Sydney Supplied
But now musicals are, dare I say it, hip.
If you want to get in on the trend, here are the best shows worth travelling to see across Australia, as recommended by this musical geek.
The Book of Mormon
It's camp and crude and it's back in Australia.
The multi award winning musical from the writers of hit TV show South Park follows a group of Mormon missionaries sent to Africa - where things don't go to plan.
It'd one of those shows you don't need to be into theatre to see, but maybe don't take your mum.
9Travel saw it (for the third time) via the bargain The Book of Mormon musical dinner, show and stay package at Kimpton Margot Sydney.
You can get a room at the chic five star art deco hotel, a two-course set menu for two at Luke's Kitchen including a themed cocktail, and two A Reserve tickets to the musical, from $400 per room.
When: Sydney now, tickets here
On 27 July 1985, a ground-breaking musical production had its Australian Premiere at Theatre Royal Sydney, heralding an era of the British "mega-musical" in Australia: Cats. Supplied
Cats
On 27 July 1985, a ground-breaking musical production had its Australian Premiere at Theatre Royal Sydney, heralding an era of the British "mega-musical" in Australia.
Now, 40 years later, Andrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking musical Cats returns for an Australian tour to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Expect a dazzling production including that showstopper, Memory.
Stars include Todd McKenny and Mark Vincent.
When: Sydney now, then Adelaide from September, Perth from November and Melbourne from December. Tickets here
Beetlejuice
This original musical it based on Tim Burton's wonderfully demented film.
It stars Aussies own Eddie Perfect who also wrote the original music and lyrics.
It tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager obsessed with the whole "being dead thing." Lucky for Lydia, her new house is haunted by a recently deceased couple and a degenerate demon with a thing for stripes.
When: Melbourne now, tickets here.
Beetlejuice The Musical is now on in Melbourne. Joe Armao
Anastasia
Based on the classic tale which inspired the Disney film, this show follows the legend of the Russian princess, Anastasia.
We saw it on Broadway many years ago and it's just magical, with many hummable songs.
When: Melbourne from December, Perth and Sydney in 2026, waitlist here.
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Based on the classic tale which inspired the Disney film, this show follows the legend of the Russian princess, Anastasia. Supplied
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Hailed by Rolling Stone as "the best rock musical ever" catch this unique show in Sydney now.
It's a cabaret-come-rock concert about Hedwig, a genderqueer East German singer of a fictional rock and roll band.
It stars the stunning Seann Miley Moore (Miss Saigon) and Adam Noviello (Jesus Christ Superstar) and is being dubbed and event as much as a show.
When: Sydney now. Get tickets here.
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Hedwig and the Angry Inch is now open in Sydney. Supplied
Pretty Woman: The Musical
Already a hit on Broadway and in the West End, Brisbane is getting to see this new show first.
It's dubbed 'a dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages."
Pop king Bryan Adams co-wrote the stage version based on the beloved film.
Samantha Jade and Ben Hall in Pretty Woman. Supplied
Aussie Pop singer Samantha Jade will play the lead alongside Ben Hall (he played Ned Willis on Neighbours and was in Robbie Williams biopic Better Man.
We reckon it's going to be a top one to see with your girlfriends.
When: Brisbane from October 2025, Sydney from November. Join the wait list here.
Rent
A modern musical classic, many musical fans dub this show 'life changing' and it's easy to see why.
It follows a bunch of struggling artists in NYC an covers Aids, friendships and love.
It blends a rocky score and touching story to make a show which inside the likes of Lin Manuel Miranda to get into writing,
When: Sydney from September 27 to November 1. Tickets here.
Rent will return to Sydney. Supplied
MJ
A huge hit on Broadway and in the West End, this Michael Jackson biopic is on in Australia for the first time.
9Travel went to the Sydney opening and can confirm it's an epic, must-see,
It takes the audience back to 1992 and inside the creation of the iconic Dangerous World Tour, and has all the Jacko hits, done in spectacular style.
When: Sydney now. Melbourne from September 9. Book here.
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MJ is on in Sydney in 2025. Matthew Murphy
Back to the Future: The Musical
Great Scott! The film that made Michael J Fox famous has had a musical spin.
After being a big hit on Broadway and in the West End it's coming to Australia.
9Travel saw it London, and the special effects alone left us open mouthed in awe.
When: Sydney from September 2025. Join the waiting list for tickets here.
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Back to The Future The Musical is coming to Australia. Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
The Phantom of the Opera
The classic is back in the unique location of Sydney Harbour, this time to launch the 40th anniversary celebrations.
From the haunting beauty of The Music of the Night to fireworks lighting up the skyline, this larger-than-life staging brings Phantom's most unforgettable moments to the iconic outdoor stage.
The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour. Opera Australia
Definitely one to take your parents to.
When: From March, 2026, Join the waiting list here.
