The ‘Cruel Intentions’ musical brings escapist 90s nostalgia to Melbourne
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04.05.2022

The ‘Cruel Intentions’ musical brings escapist 90s nostalgia to Melbourne

Cruel Intentions Musical
Photography by Nicole Cleary
words by sidonie bird de la coeur

The hit musical based on the 1999 cult Hollywood movie 'Cruel Intentions' has touched down for a national tour of Australia.

Featuring an all-Australian cast of triple-threat talent, Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical is a nostalgia filled romp that will leave you dancing and singing in the aisles. Complete with a soundtrack of some of the best and most iconic songs from the 90s, the Australian tour of Cruel Intentions kicks off on May 25 with a show at Melbourne’s own Athenaeum Theatre.

Featuring throwback songs from 90s favourites such as *NSYNC, the Goo Goo Dolls, Boyz II Men, Britney Spears, this story of romance and seduction has sold out sessions and delighted audiences across the UK and US in an evening of escapism and indulgence. This ultimate 90s throwback experience is based on the 1999 film of the same name that stars Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Michelle Gellar, which is in turn based on the 1782 French novel Les Liasons Dangereuses.

What you need to know

  • Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical is coming to Melbourne as part of a national tour
  • Based on the 1999 cult classic of the same name, the musical is the ultimate 90s throwback
  • It features 90s hits from artists such as Britney Spears, *NSYNC and the Goo Goo Dolls

Check out Melbourne’s latest stage shows and theatrical events here.

A hilariously fun teenage tale of love and betrayal, Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical features a cast of some of Australia’s finest triple threats, with Kirby Burgess, Drew Weston, Francine Cain and Kelsey Halge taking the lead roles. With a soundtrack made up of 21 iconic 90s songs, including ‘No Scrubs’ by TLC, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ by Deep Blue Something, ‘Candy’ by Mandy Moore and ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ by The Verve, the musical is tune after tune of sing-along nostalgia.

The tour begins in Melbourne at the Athenaeum Theatre, from May 25. After dazzling audiences in Melbourne, Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical is heading to Sydney’s State Theatre from June 30. They’ll raise the roof at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall in July before finishing off their tour in Adelaide with appearances at Her Majesty’s Theatre in September.

A role made famous by Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kirby Burgess brings her signature enchantment and allure to the stage for an unforgettable performance as the seductive and scheming Kathryn. “Cruel Intentions is the perfect send up of the ‘90s, and shows us just how far we’ve come since,” Kirby Burgess says on playing the intoxicatingly complex character. “Kathryn is basically the villain, and while she does some very bad things, she’s demonised for being sexually liberated. I love that she takes a stand about this, with such great lines.”

Not a stranger to the stage, Burgess has portrayed many iconic characters across productions and stage musicals including Rizzo in Grease, Linda in The Wedding Singer and Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman in Dirty Dancing’s 10 year anniversary Australian tour. She’s also appeared in notable theatre shows including Hairspray, Sweet Charity and Heathers The Musical. Cruel Intentions is set to be the 15th show of her professional career.

Having previously starred as Danny Zuko in Grease, in MTC’s Hay Fever, Dream Lover and Mary Poppins, Drew Weston returns to the stage as the brooding and handsome Sebastian. He stars alongside Helpmann Award-nominated performer Francine Cain, who plays the part of the naïve Cecile, an unwilling participant in Sebastian and Kathryn’s scheming plot of revenge.

Breakout star Kelsey Halge appears in her professional theatre debut as Annette Hargrove, the virtuous subject of Sebastian’s desires. Playing the role of Blaine is Helpmann Award nominated theatre favourite Euan Fistrovic Doidge, known for his iconic performance as Felicia in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever and Marius in Les Misérables. His performance as Paul San Marco in A Chorus Line saw him as the youngest ever Nominee for a Helpmann Award for Best Supporting Role in a Musical. Joseph Spanti will add the role of Greg to his extensive resume that includes Friends! The Parody Musical, while recent graduate Rishab Kern makes his professional debut as Ronald and vocalist, violist and musical theatre star Fem Belling stars as Mrs Caldwell.

The national tour is supported by the Australian Government initiative, Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.

Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical runs for approximately two hours with a 20 minute interval. The musical is recommended for audiences 15 and older.

To find out more about this fun 90s musical and to book your tickets, head here.