Melbourne’s theatre scene is often lauded as one of Australia’s best. Alongside Sydney, we’re often the first port of call for any international musicals hitting Aussie theatres.
There’s no shortage of shows making their way to our stages this month, there’s international Broadway musicals, online shows, and independent musicals, there’s truly something for everyone.
Jagged Little Pill
Jagged Little Pill has only just premiered at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre, and it’s already getting rave reviews for the unique blend of alt rock and theatre vibes. It’s based on Alanis Morrissette’s 1995 album of the same name, and the show stars some of Australia’s biggest theatre actors like Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Tim Draxl.
It’s also important to note that this show is not an autobiographical display of Alanis’ life, and she will not be appearing at this musical, it’s merely a celebration of her hit album that garnered her a great deal of attention across the globe.
This show isn’t suitable for younger ones, the show noting a 14 and older age limit. You can grab your tickets here.
Artemis: Utter Mess
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUUYSgmt6l8/
If you’re not down to head out at the moment, (we don’t blame you!), you can catch this awesome show online thanks to La Mama theatres.
This show comes to us thanks to Artemis Muñoz, who shares what it means to be non-binary, asexual, bi-racial and neurodivergent, and the power of those words that define them.
The show is a musical, and will feature several catchy original songs, it’s truly set to be one of the best shows to hit our stages this year.
You can watch it here from Feb 16.
The Wedding Singer
It’s one of many that’ve been plagued by covid lockdowns, but it’s making its way back to Melbourne for a quick run. It’s a replica of the 1998 Adam Sandler / Drew Barrymore fronted film, that celebrated the best of 80’s music.
This musical was written by the original movie’s writer Tim Herily, as well as Chad Beguelin, who’s been behind musicals like The Prom and Aladdin. On top of the songs from the movie like ‘Somebody Kill Me’ and ‘Grow Old with You’, a number of other songs have been written by Matthew Sklar, a Tony Award winner.
It runs at the State theatre from February 5 – February 20, and you can grab tickets here.
A Zoom Group Project: The Musical
It’s a reality that many people across the world have lived, in the throes of a global pandemic, getting on a zoom call for some less than enjoyable chats.
The show covers the trials and tribulations of the four friends as they work through their assignment. It sounds like an awesome premise for a musical, and it’s set to go down at The Butterfly Club late Feb.
Grab your tickets here.
Death of a Salesman
Death of a Salesman has often been marked as one of, if not the best play that has ever been created. It was first written back in the late 1940’s and has lived on ever since.
It’s a story about Willy Loman, a salesman, and the struggles he is facing throughout his life. It’s been said that the leading role is one of the hardest to act, so this Melbourne show has one of our most prolific actors at the helm, Paul English, who has appeared in shows like Gallipoli, Winners and Losers, and Blue Heelers, so you know he’ll be up to the task.
It’s happening at fortyfivedownstairs from February 3 to February 27. You can grab your tickets here.
The Who’s Tommy
The Who are one of the world’s greatest rock bands that are still getting new fans over 50 years after they first got together.
Back in 1969, Pete Townsend wrote this musical to celebrate the best of the group’s mammoth songs like ‘Pinball Wizard’ and ‘I’m Free’, as well as a plethora of original music that has received numerous awards.
It’s happening at the Palais Theatre later this month, you can grab your tickets here.
Fun Home
This show is based on Alison Bechdel book of the same name, a graphic memoir referencing her journey to coming out to her family in a rural close-minded town.
The show’s coming to Melbourne audiences thanks to the Melbourne Theatre Company, and tickets start from an easy $30, and these are front row too! It’s part of a special aptly titled campaign called Allison’s Front Row Seats.
It’s happening at the Arts Centre’s beautiful Playhouse from February 7, you can grab your tickets here.
Shakespeare Under the Stars: The Comedy of Errors
It’s one of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays, and you can currently catch it in the beautiful Melbourne weather at the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s a hilarious show that’ll make you leave with a smile on your face.
It’s truly an outdoor extravaganza, you can take your picnic blanket and enjoy a high quality play in comfort. It hasn’t got long left, playing most days until February 19. You can grab your tickets here.
Touching the Void
This is the straight-up coolest show across the many on this list. It’s an international written play that takes place on the Andes Mountains, where the characters aim to retrace the steps of their relative that went missing on the mountain.
It’s a show that’s set to move you, and transport you into the cold world they’re living in. The show stars Lucy Durack, Kevin Hofbauer, and many more. You can grab your tickets here.
And She Would Stand Like This
This show has been noted as mix of a Greek tragedy with Queer ball culture, which is an intriguing contrast indeed. It reimagines “Greek characters as queer bodies of colour”.
It’s the first time that this show is making its way to Aussie stages, It’s a part of the Midsumma Festival, and is taking place at the Meat Market Stables. Tickets start from $30, and you can grab your tickets here.
If you’re interested in discovering Melbourne’s hidden theatre gems, check out our list of the coolest independent stages.
