HomeThe Theatre SphereThree of the Genuinely Interesting Musicals Australians Can Enjoy in 2015

Three of the Genuinely Interesting Musicals Australians Can Enjoy in 2015

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Those who have read the first couple of posts in the new Theatre section on The Otaku’s Study will know that I am particularly fond of musicals. It is a love that has been fostered since my primary school used to take the upper grades to an annual musical performed at a local High School (My first musical happened to be Jesus Christ Superstar), and in recent years has become enriched with the number of theatrical offerings available to Queenslanders and those across Australia.

As this is the year that I truly hope to kick-start the Theatre section on this website, I have pooled through all the currently announced musicals that will begin their run across Australia this year, and narrowed that down to three titles that at this current time genuinely excite me.

That is not to say that I won’t be covering any other musicals. as I hope to cover as many as possible. In fact, I hope that all the others not included in this list will impress me just as much if not more. Plus, there is a good possibility that many theatres haven’t presented their entire 2015 line-up yet… so who knows what surprises are set to be announced in the coming months.

#1 Matilda the Musical

Sydney Lyric Theatre: From August 11th 2015

For someone in his early-20’s, Roald Dahl’s children’s novel Matilda by itself may not seem like the most intriguing source material for a musical. Especially when you consider that the original book and subsequent film adaptation was aimed at a much younger audience – and I in fact remember studying it during the early grades of school. However, even before watching the trailer above, two names should pique your interest: “Tim Minchin” and “Dennis Kelly” who provided the music/lyrics and book respectively. Especially with Minchin on board, whose previous creative works have stuck with me for years (His poem “Storm” being a personal favourite of mine), my expectations have swelled for it to be something that at the very least matches the quality provided by The Lion King.

Although still in the casting phase within Australia, the previews for previous showings in the United Kingdom have presented Matilda the Musical to be a darker and more sophisticated experience that somewhat sticks with but still greatly expands upon the original work of Roald Dahl.

As someone who grew up on the novels by Roald Dahl, I sincerely hope that Matilda the Musical receives screenings Australia-wide.

#2 Les Misérables

For the first time since the highly successful film adaptation graced the silver screen in 2012, Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s production of the musical “Les Misérables” has begun performances across Australia. Starting off with Melbourne last year and then moving to Perth for a limited season, performances will soon move to Sydney in March 2015.

The last time I saw a stage rendition of Les Misérables was when I was only ten years old, during one of the aforementioned musicals put on at a local High School. Therefore, I am hoping that Queensland will not be too far behind with local performances.

#3 Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz

Queensland Performing Arts Centre Lyric Theatre: From mid-February 2015

While I am still wondering if Wicked will be able to meet the standard set by The Lion King which leaves QPAC in less than one week’s time, it is nevertheless exciting to see such a highly regarded musical land in Queensland for a second two month season. As I missed the original 2011 Australian Tour due to other commitments at the time, I am very curious to see what justifies it coming back for a second run.

With the Wizard of Oz being a staple novel/film when I was growing up, I look forward to sharing my impressions on how this prologue fares. At this moment, Wicked will be the next musical I review (Planned for publication in the latter half of February 2015).

Sam
Sam
Founder of The Otaku's Study. I have been exploring this labyrinth of fandom these last fifteen years, and still nowhere close to the exit yet. Probably searching for a long time to come.
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