I don’t think Perth has ever witnessed the plethora of professional musicals announced to tour its shores in such a short time frame. It appears producers are looking to Perth to fill the gap until they can secure theatre dates in other eastern states capitals. Great news for Perth theatre devotees.
In the last six months, Perth has witnessed the Broadway and West End sensation’s Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Come From Away, Six and the Rocky Horror Show; and within the next six months, Perth will have the chance to see some new and exciting musicals from Broadway and the West End.
Mary Poppins
Leading the charge of the shows is the beloved Disney classic, Mary Poppins. The cast led by Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins, Jack Chambers as Bert and Lucy Maunder as Winifred Banks. Much loved entertainment legend Patti Newton AM will reprise the role of Bird Woman, following her acclaimed performances in Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. They are also joined by alumni television greats, Tom Wren and Robert Grubb. Mary Poppins arrives on the 9 September for a limited six week run. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au
Chicago
Bumping into the Crown Theatre some four weeks later is Broadway’s longest running musical, Chicago. The show stars Anthony Warlow as Billy Flynn, Zoë Ventoura as Velma Kelly, Lucy Maunder as Roxie Hart, Peter Rowsthorn as Amos Hart and Asabi Goodman as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton. With a tale of Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery, treachery… and All That Jazz, Chicago will begin its Australian tour in Perth before heading to Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Chicago plays from 21 November 2023. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au
& Juliet
Having just completed a successful season in Melbourne, New Year’s Eve will see the opening of the latest smash hit sensation out of the West End and Broadway, & Juliet. The production features a soundtrack of hit songs written by Max Martin, including Roar (Katie Perry), Baby One More Time (Britney Spears) and That’s the Way It Is (Celine Dion). Starring Lorinda May Merrypor as Juliet, Amy Lehpamer as Anne, Rob Mills as William Shakespeare and Casey Donovan as Angelique, & Juliet explores Shakespeare’s tale of the two star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet and asks, “What if Juliet didn’t die?” Having recently seen this in New York, this feel-good production will have you up and dancing in the aisles. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au
TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
Continuing the 2024 line up is TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL. This biographical musical will carry you through the highs and lows in the life of the Queen of Rock and Roll, Tina Turner. Featuring her greatest hits, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is currently playing to packed out audiences in Sydney before it heads to Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au
And with the current productions of WICKED, Elvis – A Musical Revolution, Mamma Mia! The Musical, Beauty and the Beast and Miss Saigon currently playing over East – who knows what else 2024 may bring to the West!
Mary Poppins, Chicago, & Juliet and TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL will play at Crown Theatre Perth, Great Eastern Highway Burswood. For more information, visit: www.crownperth.com.au for details.
Images: Mary Poppins – photo by Daniel Boud | Principal Cast of Chicago – photo by Juliet Taylor | Lorinda May Merrypor as Juliet and the Australian Company of & JULIET – photo by Daniel Boud | Ruva Ngwenya and Band in TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL – photo by Daniel Boud
Author: Craig Dalglish