|
After much anticipation, the ‘80s phenomenon Footloose: The Musical is touring Australia with a Brisbane premiere on 24 April, followed by seasons in major venues across Canberra, Newcastle and Perth. An all-Australian cast will bring this high-energy production to the stage, with South East Queensland’s Gabriel Tiller (Jersey Boys, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) in the lead as Ren. Played by Kevin Bacon in the iconic ‘80s movie, Ren is the rebellious kid who tells the town of Bomont that it’s time to dance. Tickets for the 2026 tour are selling fast, starting at just $69.90* via footloosethemusical.com. Further cities are due to be announced – audiences are invited to join the waitlist to be the first to find out. The tour follows a completely sold-out season in Melbourne, proving just how much Australian audiences love the new smash-hit show. It’s bold, it’s electric, and it’s the first time Australia has seen a professional production of Footloose in over 20 years.
WAAPA alumni Brittany Morton (Guys and Dolls, Love Actually: The Musical Parody) will play the Reverend’s rebellious daughter and the romantic lead Ariel, while Stephen Hirst (Pride and Prejudice, Little Shop of Horrors) is cast as the powerful Reverend Shaw Moore. Beloved stars of both TV and stage, Sophie Weiss and Rachael Beck share the role of the Reverend’s wife and audience favourite, Vi Moore. Green Room Award winner Maverick Newman (Hair The Musical, Friends! The Musical Parody) returns as the hilarious and heartwarming Willard, with the unstoppable Maddison Coleman returning as Rusty (Guys and Dolls, Urinetown). A slew of triple threats round out the non-stop party musical with Brianna Bishop as Wendy Jo; Angela Brischetto as Urleen; Justin Gray as Chuck; Jordan Twigg as Ethel, and Tim Brown as Cowboy Rob. The stunning ensemble cast includes Elena Atanasovski, Lachlan Inwood, Georgia Oom, Conor Putland, Cristian Robba-Colley, Matilda Simmons, Alexander Tye, Madison Randl and Lachlan Greenland. Based on the titular 1984 movie, the four-time Tony Award nominated musical became a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts of millions with its powerful story of youth, freedom, and the unifying power of music and dance. Australians have embraced Footloose for decades and now it returns in a brand new production – bigger, bolder, and more explosive than ever before. From rural towns to big cities, Footloose continues to find new audiences with its enduring and relatable themes, and of course arguably one of the best soundtracks of all time. Round up your crew and experience the ultimate ‘80s party. Dance in the aisles to iconic hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy, and of course the unforgettable title track Footloose. Join Ren, the city kid turned rebel with a cause, as he shakes up a small town where music and dancing are outlawed. At the heart of the show are thrilling dance and production numbers, set to the chart-topping soundtrack that defined a generation. Footloose: The Musical is a celebration of community, connection, and the courage to make change. It’s bold. It’s joyful. And it’s one of the most fun nights out you’ll have all year.
Lyrics are by the Oscar and Golden Globe award winning writer of the movie, Dean Pitchford (with additional lyrics by Kenny Loggins). The book is also by Pitchford, alongside the Tony Award nominated Walter Bobbie. Prolific songwriter Tom Snow, who has written songs for superstars like Barbara Streisand, Dolly Parton and Olivia Newton John, wrote the music, with others. Snap up your seats to see this feel-good musical now. *Booking fees apply.
|
|
|
|
Essendon Theatre Company – Top Girls
Britain, 1981. Two women have reached the top of their respective fields. Tory, Margaret Thatcher has been elected the United Kingdom’s first female Prime Minister and Marlene has been promoted to Managing Director of Top Girls Employment Agency. To celebrate, Marlene...
