Melbourne is known as the entertainment capital of Australia, boasting a wealth of world-class arts institutions and theatres. So, if you’re looking to catch a live show this spring/summer, you certainly won’t run out of choices.
From major musicals and spectacular stage shows to lunchtime matinees and late-night cabaret shows, your cultural calendar is sure to be jam-packed.
Though it’s been an excellent year for stage shows, the season is soon coming to an end. Don’t worry; musicals are not going anywhere, but with the new year just around the corner, this is your last chance to see the big-stage musical productions that wowed everyone in 2023.
Without further ado, here are the 6 must-see musicals in Melbourne, including a Christmas musical not to be missed!
MOULIN ROUGE
Regent Theatre is home to one of the most ground-breaking musicals known to the theatre scene, Moulin Rouge. If you still haven’t seen this theatre marvel, you have until the 4th of February 2024.
Based on Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary 2001 film, Moulin Rouge the musical is an astonishing tour de force of emotions that comes to life on stage. It boasts spectacular visuals, amazing costumes, and an extravagant production. Watch with awe as the flashy cast dance and dazzle over 70 songs, including the iconic Lady Marmalade and pop hits from Beyonce, Sia, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and more.
Don’t miss your last chance to see this award-winning extravaganza and be part of something so amazing.
MAMMA MIA
Prepare to be swept off your feet by this fantastic show at the Princess Theatre. You have until 10 December 2023 to relive the uplifting songs by ABBA, along with great vocals and energetic dancers in this spectacular crowd-pleaser one has to see in their lifetime.
Fall in love (again!) with the unbeatable soundtrack featuring 22 of ABBA’s most empowering songs, including Dancing Queen, The Winner Takes It All, and, of course, the unforgettable Mamma Mia.
Fun, funny and fast-paced, the Mamma Mia musical is suitable for people of all ages, so bring the entire family for a fabulous night out.
GREASE
Save a seat at Her Majesty’s Theater. From 31st December, the world’s best-loved musical, Grease takes the stage.
Based on the namesake 1978 movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, Grease follows a high school romance between a gangster and the sweet new girl in town. This nostalgic but upbeat musical will take you back to Rydell High, introducing you to the gang of working-class teenagers, including Danny, Sandy, and Rizzo.
The entire story is set to some of the most catchy tunes ever, from songs like Greased Lightning to Summer Nights to You’re the One That I Want, so it’ll be hard to sit still no matter what.
Grease is literally one of the biggest musicals of all time. And the production is now that much bigger and better!
ELVIS: A Musical Revolution
Are you a huge fan of The King of Rock and Roll, the one and only Elvis Presley? Well, you’re in luck.
Save your seat at the Athenaeum Theatre this month for a guaranteed good time shaking and singing along to the greatest Rock and Roll hits from the 50s and beyond, including Jailhouse Rock, Suspicious Minds, and Heartbreak Hotel.
The Elvis! musical show celebrates the life of the man who “gave the world a music revolution,” so expect nothing but spectacular. A critically acclaimed masterpiece, Elvis! musical Is glamorous, joyful, and fun, boasting striking choreography, dazzling costumes, and sensational dancers. Plus an all-star Australian cast you must see.
It’s time to put your blue suede shoes on and shimmy the night away.
MISS SAIGON
Twenty-eight years after its first premiere in Australia, the Miss Saigon musical is back and it’s better than ever. Based on Giacomo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly from 1904, this daring musical tells a similar tragic love story between an American soldier and a Vietnamese woman during the Vietnam War.
Sit tight and hold back the tears as you jump on this emotional rollercoaster, now even more powerful than ever. With a 24-piece orchestra and a local cast of 42, this award-winning and show-stopping production packs an emotional punch.
Catch this one-of-a-kind spectacle at Her Majesty’s Theatre, playing now until 16 December.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Christmas won’t be complete without Christmas carols, so join the crowds at the Comedy Theatre until 7 January. It’s time for some festive spirit.
A Christmas Carol, the musical, is based on Charles Dickens’ 1843 classic of the same name. Through deeply moving theatre performance, it depicts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser with a heart of stone who hates Christmas and becomes a better man through redemption.
This award-winning performance is magical, uplifting, and joyous. Bring your kids ages 8 and up and sing along to not one but 12 traditional Christmas songs. Nothing will lift your spirits and get you in the Christmas mood as fast as this spellbinding, grand-in-scale musical production.
It may not be Broadway, but it’s much better!
Melbourne’s theatre scene is on fire this year, and each of the musical productions is better and bigger than ever before. But with so many musicals on the calendar, it’s hard to squeeze them all in before the year ends.
Fortunately, there are some extended sessions, so you can catch that show in the new year. No matter which one you choose, make sure to book your theatre tickets ahead of time, as they’re selling like hotcakes.
Looking for a place to kick back and relax after a thrilling musical show? Book your accommodation at The Sebel Melbourne Moonee Ponds.
