There are no shortage of Melbourne theatre and comedy shows making their way to our stages this month.
With the Melbourne International Comedy Festival on its way, fans are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a stand-up show, or on top of that, there’s musicals about gangsters, old school love and even bipolar disorder.
The massive variety of theatrical stage shows on offer continues to grow ever-more as well, with that particular cultural avenue clearly making up for lost time post-restrictions. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the coming month ahead.
Check out Melbourne’s latest stage shows, stand-up comedy and theatrical events here.
Next to Normal
It’s the musical that has blown away fans in all corners of the world, and it’s retuning to our shores for a limited run at Chapel off Chapel this March. Comedian and musical star Queenie van de Zandt will be in the lead role alongside talented performers in Matt Hetherington and Melanie Bird, alongside many more. The story deals with Diana Goodman’s bipolar disorder, and how that impacts the relationships with people around her.
It’s a rock musical that’s set to make a mark on Aussie theatre, it’s happening at Chapel off Chapel from March 17 until March 26.
IF/THEN The Musical
March is a bumper month for Chapel Off Chapel. From the same team that brought you the sensational Jagged Little Pill, as well as the acclaimed Next to Normal, IF/THEN delves into the contrasting life choices of its modern female protagonist, Elizabeth, a city planner living in New York. It’s about the intersection of choice and chance, a kind of ‘Sliding Doors’ concept that explores all the choices we make (and don’t) and how they impact our lives.
IF/THEN is coming to Chapel Off Chapel this Friday, March 4, and running until 12 March.
Dave Hughes
He’s the comedian that’s been a staple of all our lives, a favourite of TV in shows like Rove, The Project, The Masked Singer and Hughsey, We Have a Problem, as well as his own popular radio for a number of years, and now he’s hitting the road with his unique brand of classic Aussie humour. He’s hitting the beautiful Malthouse Outdoor stage from March 11 to March 13. Tickets start from $49 and can be grabbed here.
An American in Paris
The popular Broadway show is finally making its way down under, based on the 1928 orchestration led by George Gershwin. If you’re a fan of old school love stories like those in La La Land, Singin in the Rain and West Side Story, this is the show for you. An American in Paris brings back the old school days of MGM musicals, and Australia’s version stars Robbie Fairchild and Leanne Cope, who starred in the musical on Broadway.
It’s happening from March 18, grab your tickets here.
Rhys Nicholson
Coming to us thanks to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is Rhys Nicholson, an amazing Aussie that has been garnering a lot of worldwide attention over the last few years.
He’s bringing his new show called Rhys! Rhys! Rhys! to the Forum stage, which is said to be “A nice little comedy show where we pretend the last couple of years haven’t happened.” Which sounds great, considering everyone’s a little over being told ‘We’re all in this together’.
He’s hitting the Forum Melbourne stage from March 31. Grab tickets here.
Hamilton
Yes, it’s finally coming! The musical your theatre friend will never shut up about is coming to Melbourne this month. The Lin Manuel Miranda penned extravaganza has sold out stages in London, New York, Puerto Rico and Sydney, audiences in awe of the show’s unique musical styling and intriguing story behind the founding father.
It’s happening at Her Majesty’s Theatre from March 15, check out more info and book it in here.
Ronny Chieng
He’s another export that has gotten massive over the last few years, audiences have enjoyed his work in films like Shang Chi and Crazy Rich Asians, as well as his work as a coveted correspondent on The Daily Show, and his popular show on the ABC, Ronny Chieng: International Student. He’s coming back home for a cool comedy tour, called Hope You Get Rich.
You can catch him at the Palais on March 26. Grab your tickets here.
Chase
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Coming to the Malthouse thanks to artist Carly Sheppard, Chase is an experience you won’t soon forget. Chase is the protagonist, a Youtuber who’s trying to gain subscribers, and does some pretty interesting things to get them. The show isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s said to contain some pretty mature themes.
Meet Chase at The Tower at The Malthouse from March 8, grab tickets here.
Anna Karenina
If there’s been nothing up your alley so far, look no further than the Melbourne Ballet’s Anna Karenina. The story involves the titular character leaving her husband to be with a lover. It’s actually on its way out of Melbourne, it’s set to close in March, but audiences have been dazzled at the skill of the dancers, and their amazing ability to tell such a detailed story just using the medium of dance.
It’s happening at the Arts Centre until March 9, check out more info here.
Sam Garlepp
Another show happening through the MICF is with Sam Garlepp, an up and comer you definitely need to keep your eyes on. He’s played a few different shows at the festival in recent years to critic and fan acclaim, with many noting his innate ability to tell a great story.
He’s playing Campari house from March 30, check out more info here. Tickets start from $20.
A Midsummer Mechanical’s Dream
Yes, it’s a parody of Shakespeare’s work that first came into the world over 400 years ago. It follows a group of wacky characters, each with a personality that still lives on all these decades later, with this version said to be a mix of ‘pantaloons and python.’ It’s being put on by Shakespeare Australia, so you know it’ll still give a lot of respect to the original works.
It’s taking place outdoors, at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Tickets start from $40 and can be booked in here.
Happy End
Coming to us thanks to the Victorian Opera, Happy End is a musical that takes audiences way back to 1919 and the world of American prohibition gangsters. The score is greatly influenced by the jazz and ragtime, adding an extra dimension, and truly rounding out the show. Tickets are pretty inexpensive as well, you can enjoy this show from $39.
It’s happening at the Playhouse at the Arts Centre, book it in here.
