Given its Australian links given its music and lyrics were written by Tim Minchin, it is surprising how long it has taken Groundhog Day the Musical to arrive on Australian shores. Thankfully for those who have been waiting eagerly for the opportunity, that wait is almost over. The musical is set to make it Australian Premiere at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre in January for a limited 13 week season. With performances set to begin on 24 January 2024, some may have been wondering who will be portraying who. Thankfully the wait is over, with the full cast confirmed:
| Actor | Portraying |
|---|---|
| Andy Karl | Phil Connors |
| Elise McCann | Rita Hanson |
| Afua Adjei | Ensemble / Debbie |
| Grant Almirall | Ensemble |
| Kaya Byrne | Ensemble / Larry |
| Kate Cole | Ensemble / Piano Teacher |
| Rachel Cole | Swing |
| Benjamin Colley | Swing |
| Andrew Coshan | Ensemble / Billy |
| Andrew Dunne | Ensemble / Buster |
| Madison Green | Swing |
| Matthew Hamilton | Ensemble / Sheriff |
| Matt Hourigan | Swing |
| Michael Linder | Ensemble / Jenson |
| Etuate Lutui | Ensemble / Deputy |
| Connor Neylon | Ensemble / Gus |
| Ashleigh Rubenach | Ensemble / Nancy |
| Jacob Steen | Ensemble / Fred |
| Connor Sweeney | Ensemble / Ralph |
| Alison Whyte | Ensemble / Mrs Lancaster |
| Tim Wright | Ensemble / Ned Ryerson |
| Kate Yaxley | Ensemble / Joelle |
Groundhog Day the Musical features a book by Danny Rubin, Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin, and is directed and developed by Matthew Warchus – the latter two reuniting following arguably the pair’s biggest musical masterpiece, Matilda the Musical. The production also features choreography by Lizzi Gee, set and costume designs by Rob Howell, orchestration, additional music and music supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, sound design by Simon Baker, illusions by Paul Kieve, video and animation by Andrzej Goulding and additional movement by Finn Caldwell. The Australian production is being helmed by producer GWB Entertainment, whose other recent Australian productions include School of Rock, 1984, West Side Story and the currently ongoing production of Miss Saigon (together with Opera Australia).
Phil Connors, a cynical Pittsburgh TV weatherman is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Caught in a time loop, he’s forced to relive the same day again and again… and again. As Phil recognises that an infinite loop offers infinite possibilities, is there a lesson being learned and will he ever figure out the secret to break the cycle?
