This December, John Foreman reunites with Australian Idol superstars Rob Mills, Casey Donovan and Paulini with the Australian Pops Orchestra for an unmissable night of musical theatre at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
With three beloved voices, fresh and joyful musical theatre hits, a 40 piece orchestra and Foreman’s creative leadership, the show promises a night of nostalgia, power vocals and pure feel-good celebration.
The Idols of Musical Theatre, as part of the Australian Pops Orchestra’s Holiday Concerts, stars our very own Australian Idols the charismatic Rob Mills, powerhouse vocalist Casey Donovan, and soul diva Paulini as they bring the best of Broadway to life!
Joined by John Foreman, the original musical director of Australian Idol, this star studded show will pay tribute to the songs they’ve each performed on musical theatre stages, as well as the dream roles they’d love to take on.
“I’m honestly pumped for these shows! The ultimate Idol reunion but with better lighting and no eliminations! Sharing the stage with Casey, Paulini, John and the Australian Pops Orchestra is just epic. John’s a legend, he’s been there since the very beginning for all of us, and he always finds a way to make the music and the performers shine,” said Rob Mills.
“It’s incredible to be reunited with Rob, Paulini and John, and performing all the musical theatre hits we’ve each been part of over the years is such a thrill. I can’t wait to get up on that stage with them all, and seeing the audience enjoying every moment will make it even more special,” said Casey Donovan.
“It’s so special to be back with Casey, Rob and John, I absolutely can’t wait for December 27! And performing with a 40-piece orchestra? It’s honestly breathtaking. The sound just wraps around you, it gives the music this power and emotion you don’t get anywhere else. Also working with John is all about collaboration and heart and that’s why we all love working with him!,” said Paulini.
The audience can expect to hear beloved musical theatre hits from Chicago, Wicked, The Bodyguard, Grease, Rent, & Juliet, 9 to 5 The Musical and many more that these incredible Idols have graced the stage in.
This December, a brand-new tradition begins: over ten dazzling days, John Foreman’s Australian Pops Orchestra presents a festive season celebration like no other with four spectacular concerts starring some of Australia’s most beloved performers all at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
The Idols of Musical Theatre
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall – Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt Street, Southbank
Performances: 27 & 28 December 2025
Bookings: www.melbournerecital.com.au
For more information, visit: www.apoconcerts.com for details.
Images: Rob Mills, Casey Donovan and Paulini (supplied) | John Foreman, Casey Donovan, Rob Mills and Paulini in rehearsal for The Idols of Musical Theatre – photo by Sam Tabone