Condensing J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy novel into a three-hour musical takes some doing, but the main plot points are here as Frodo Baggins and three fellow Hobbits set out on a dangerous journey to save Middle-earth by destroying the all-powerful One Ring. Most of the performers are actor-musicians and it’s…

This wonderfully entertaining musical captures the hilarious horror and demented joy of Tim Burton’s 1988 film Beetlejuice, and then some. Eddie Perfect’s songs, with their cleverly crafted lyrics and dizzy range of musical styles, mesh flawlessly with the book by Scott Brown and Anthony King. Directed by Alex Timbers, the…

Boublil and Schönberg’s landmark musical has been thrilling audiences around the world since its 1985 London premiere. As Les Mis celebrates its 40th anniversary, Cameron Mackintosh has created a spectacular new production, specially designed for large-scale venues. It arrives in Australia with a star-studded cast. Alfie Boe and Killian Donnelly…

This new Australian musical played to sold-out houses when it premiered at Melbourne Theatre Company in 2023. The fact that Tom Gleisner of Working Dog fame (The Castle, The Dish, Utopia, Have You Been Paying Attention?) wrote the book and lyrics was doubtless part of the appeal. Bloom (with music…

Condensing J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy novel into a three-hour musical takes some doing, but the main plot points are here as Frodo Baggins and three fellow Hobbits set out on a dangerous journey to save Middle-earth by destroying the all-powerful One Ring. Most of the performers are actor-musicians and it’s…

This wonderfully entertaining musical captures the hilarious horror and demented joy of Tim Burton’s 1988 film Beetlejuice, and then some. Eddie Perfect’s songs, with their cleverly crafted lyrics and dizzy range of musical styles, mesh flawlessly with the book by Scott Brown and Anthony King. Directed by Alex Timbers, the…