New and upcoming musicals in Melbourne

Broadway hit Anastasia will be making its Australian debut in our city this year. This rave-reviewed musical is inspired by the beloved 1997 animated feature from 20th Century Fox (which we’d argue is one of the best non-Disney princess movies ever) and, of course, the mysterious tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape in the dawning days of the Russian Revolution. Naturally, the musical includes all the beautiful songs from the animated film, including ‘Journey to the Past’ and ‘Once Upon a December’. It will open at the Regent Theatre in December.

It's been seen by more than a million people on Broadway and many more on the West End, and now the Tony Award-winning MJ the Musical is heading to Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne. Centred around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ the Musical features more than 25 of Michael Jackon’s biggest pop hits set to show-stopping dance numbers, including ‘Beat It’, ‘Smooth Criminal’, ‘Man In The Mirror’ and ‘Thriller’. It's show at Her Majesty's Theatre until December 14.

A blood-soaked satire on toxic masculinity, greed and Wall Street excess, American Psycho was an instant cult classic when the novel was released in 1991, and hit cinemas in 2000. Now, 25 years on, you can experience Patrick Bateman’s story like never before – live on stage, with more blood, and against a soundtrack of classic '80s hits. From September 4-12, Chapel Off Chapel is hosting American Psycho – The Musical – where you’ll never look at Bateman’s skincare routine, workout regimen, or obsession with designer suits the same way again.

Due to popular demand, Melbourne Theatre Company's rip-roaring musical adaptation of My Brilliant Career is returning for a limited five-week run in 2026. This incredible production takes one of the best-known early Australian novels, the 1901 book of the same name by Miles Franklin, and twists it into a musical for a new generation. Six star Kala Gare is reprising her role as Sybylla Melvyn, with much of the original ensemble of actor-musicians also coming back.

Looking for something to warm your heart? We've got just the answer: beloved musical Annie is returning to Melbourne after a smash-hit run in Sydney. With a knock-out cast that includes Anthony Warlow as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, Debora Krizak as Miss Hannigan and Greg Page (aka the OG Yellow Wiggle) as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, this tale of hope, family and friendship is one you won't want to miss. Annie is showing at the Princess Theatre until November 8. Now, who's ready to belt out 'It’s the Hard-Knock Life'?

Hola! Long before he created the smash-hit musical phenomenon Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda was best known for In The Heights – a colourful, high-energy celebration of community, culture and chasing your dreams. Set in New York’s Washington Heights, it blends hip hop, salsa and Latin beats to create an uplifting theatre experience. The Melbourne season will see Ryan González and Olivia Vásquez reprise their roles as Usnavi and Vanessa, with Mariah Gonzalez, Ngali Shaw and Steve Costi joining them in key roles.

Do you like the strange and unusual? Then buckle up, because the juice is loose! The Australian premiere of Beetlejuice the Musical is about to open in Melbourne, with the musical adaptation of Tim Burton's kooky cult classic – starring the unnerving, green-haired and striped-suit wearing ghost – transforming the Regent Theatre into a world of footballer zombies, exorcisms and much more weirdness.