Opera Australia’s Encore! Songs from the Musicals proved a glorious celebration of musical theatre at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, delivering an evening overflowing with nostalgia, artistry and irresistible entertainment.
Marking 70 years of storytelling and song from Opera Australia’s rich musical theatre catalogue, this expertly curated concert delighted audiences with one beloved number after another, performed by an exceptional cast of some of the country’s finest musical theatre talent under the direction of Mark Sutcliffe.
Backed by the impressive Orchestra Victoria, the concert moved seamlessly through decades of iconic musicals including The Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, South Pacific, West Side Story, Miss Saigon, Evita, Sunset Boulevard, Guys & Dolls and A Little Night Music, reminding audiences of the enduring power of these timeless scores.
Leading the evening was the incomparable Caroline O’Connor, whose commanding stage presence and effortless charisma immediately electrified the theatre. One of Australia’s most celebrated musical theatre performers, O’Connor demonstrated precisely why she remains so revered internationally.
Her rendition of Send in the Clowns (A Little Night Music) was rich with emotional nuance and sophistication, while Don’t Cry For Me Argentina (Evita) )soared with theatrical grandeur. As If We Never Said Goodbye (Sunset Boulevard) carried genuine poignancy, and her comic brilliance sparkled in Miss Adelaide’s Lament (Guys & Dolls). O’Connor’s performance of Cole Porter’s Anything Goes brought much enthusiasm from the audience.
Abigail Adriano once again confirmed herself as one of the brightest stars of her generation. Her performance of Flowers from Hadestown was beautifully understated and emotionally affecting. Alongside Nigel Huckle, Adriano also presented a stirring rendition of Last Night of the World from Miss Saigon, their voices blending with tenderness and dramatic intensity.
Huckle impressed throughout the evening with his rich tenor and refined musicality. Maria (West Side Story) and On The Street Where You Live (My Fair Lady) were delivered with elegance and warmth, while his delightful duet with O’Connor in You’re The Top (Anything Goes) provided one of the evening’s most charming highlights.
Ashleigh Rubenach brought enormous vitality and versatility to the concert. Her sparkling rendition of I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair (South Pacific) showcased impeccable comic timing, while I Could Have Danced All Night (My Fair Lady) radiated joy and effortless vocal beauty. Journey to the Past (Anastasia) was delivered with heartfelt sincerity, further demonstrating Rubenach’s impressive emotional range.
Jarrod Draper delivered a formidable rendition of Sunset Boulevard, his compelling vocals filling the Regent Theatre with thrilling intensity. His duet with Rubenach on All I Ask of You (The Phantom of the Opera) was beautifully balanced and richly romantic, particularly rewarding for audiences familiar with their shared history in Sunset Boulevard.
Raphael Wong’s velvety baritone proved perfectly suited to Music of the Night (The Phantom of the Opera), which he delivered with poise, control and dramatic elegance. His duet with Rubenach on I Have Dreamed (The King and I) was equally impressive, revealing both vocal warmth and emotional sensitivity.
Throughout the evening, conductor Vanessa Scammell drew glorious playing from Orchestra Victoria, whose lush and polished sound elevated every performance. The orchestra captured the sweeping romance, grandeur and emotional richness of each song with exceptional precision and vitality.
For long-time musical theatre lovers and newcomers alike, Encore! Songs from the Musicals was a deliciously entertaining evening, overflowing with talent, nostalgia and spectacular music-making – a fitting tribute to Opera Australia’s remarkable contribution to the musical theatre canon over the past seventy years.
Encore! Songs from the Musicals
Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne
Performance: Thursday 28 May 2026
Information: www.opera.org.au
Images: The Cast of Opera Australia’s Encore! Songs from the Musicals (2026) – photo by Jeff Busby | Caroline O’Conner and Nigel Huckle in Opera Australia’s Encore! Songs from the Musicals (2026) – photo by Jeff Busby | Abigail Adriano and Nigel Huckle in Opera Australia’s Encore! Songs from the Musicals (2026) – photo by Jeff Busby | Jarrod Draper, Ashleigh Rubenach and Raphael Wong in Opera Australia’s Encore! Songs from the Musicals (2026) – photo by Jeff Busby
Review: Rohan Shearn