Just over a decade since it was last seen in Australia, Annie is back – bursting onto the Capitol Theatre stage filled with optimism, joy, and hope. Director Karen Mortimer revives this quintessential piece of musical theatre with a sentimental production that preserves the charm and flair found in Thomas Meehan’s book.
Summer might be behind us, but Sydney’s huge year of theatre is treading hot across the boards this April. The Down Under debut of genre-defying sensation Hadestown is still holding a steady flame – and we believe it could be the most re-watched musical of the year, with loads of theatregoers booking tickets for their second and third viewings (catch it before it closes on April 26).
The arrival of autumn also means that it’s time for one of Opera Australia’s epic outdoor shows on Sydney Harbour, and this year’s fresh take on musical comedy classic Guys & Dolls is a spectacle that’s definitely worth rolling the dice on (closes April 20) – and we've prepared a handy guide for your visit to Guys & Dolls on Sydney Harbour over here. Speaking of the classics, the all-new Aussie tour of Annie opening at the gorgeous Capitol Theatre is sure to be fun for the whole family (playing ’til June 21). Tickets for the Hayes Theatre Co's new production of The Producers are hot property, having sold out before the season even opened! (But you do have a shot to see it when it ships over to Riverside Theatres from May 15–18, tickets here.)
We’re also keen on the Sydney premiere of Bloom (playing ’til May 11), a brand-new Australian musical comedy from one of the brains behind The Castle. And if it’s musical madness you’re after, you’ll laugh your head off at Titanique, which will be cruising Sydney’s waters for a while longer – the cult-hit parody has extended (yet again) through to June.
If it’s drama you’re after, we’re excited for the local flavour of Big Girls Don’t Cry at Belvoir St Theatre, a sharp and celebratory new play set in 1960s Redfern (April 5–27). Over at KXT on Broadway, you can sink your teeth into These Youths Be Protesting, a comedy about climate change that’s giving Ferris Bueller’s Day Off meets Don’t Look Up (April 4–19). And if you’re down for more indie magic, the Old Fitz Theatre is an old reliable – it doesn’t hurt that it’s in the basement of one of our favourite pubs – and we’re looking forward to seeing entitled young men toppled in Posh (April 19–May 11).
That’s all just for starters! Read on for our critics' reviews and more top theatrical picks below.
