Sydney might be known for its glorious beaches and gorgeous harbor, but it also has a vibrant performing arts scene. Musical theater is experiencing a surge in popularity, and the city is hosting more local companies and touring productions than ever.
From thrilling outdoor productions to boundary-pushing cabarets, Sydney's musicals offer something for every theater lover. Ready to lose yourself for a few hours? When you're searching for things to do in Sydney, keep the city's upcoming musicals in mind.
Classic Hits
Are you the type of theater-goer who prefers a traditional musical over a modern show? These classic performances are the perfect fit.
Whether you're in the mood for a small, heartfelt performance or a show with full-cast dance numbers, there's an option to set your musical-loving soul on fire. No matter which musical you choose, you'll be singing all the way home.
1. West Side Story
West Side Story is one of the most legendary musical theater collaborations in history. It pairs Stephen Sondheim's clever, poetic lyrics with Leonard Bernstein's soaring, sophisticated score.
Set in New York in the 1950s, this musical is a retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The plot follows two teen gangs as they fight (and dance) for top-dog status. Amid the violence, a boy and girl from rival sides fall madly in love.
The musical itself is a masterpiece, but the Sydney production of West Side Story promises to take the experience to the next level. The 2024 full-scale professional production takes place on the enormous outdoor stage at Handa Opera, so you can watch the action unfold as the sun sets over Sydney Harbor.
Looking for more entertainment alfresco? Check out the options for outdoor cinema in Sydney.
Dates: March 22 to April 21, 2024
Location: Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour
2. Tell Me On a Sunday
If you love intimate musicals, don't hesitate to book tickets for Tell Me On a Sunday.
The musical was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who also brought us the musical compositions from Evita and The Phantom of the Opera. This one-woman show tells the story of a girl who moves to New York and embarks on a series of zany adventures in search of love (and a green card).
What actress is mesmerizing enough to pull off an entire musical? In Sydney, you get to see the awe-inspiring Erin Clare. Hilarious and overwhelmingly talented, this experienced actress and singer is a beloved fixture in the Australian music scene.
Dates: April 12 to May 5, 2024
Location: Hayes Theatre Co.
3. Singin' in the Rain
Singin' in the Rain promises to be one of the most memorable musicals in Sydney in 2024, and we can't wait to see it.
This special showing features a projection of the Gene Kelly movie musical and takes place in the breathtaking Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. Instead of playing the recorded score with the original video, the music will be provided live by the full Sydney Symphony.
If you've never been to the Concert Hall, prepare yourself. The interior is visually stunning and engineered for pitch-perfect acoustics. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear Singin' in the Rain in all its splendor.
Dates: April 12-13, 2024
Location: Sydney Opera House Concert Hall
Cult Favorites
There's something extraordinary about a cult-classic musical. Even if you're not a die-hard fan, you can bet the atmosphere will be electric. We recommend making an evening of it. This type of musical is a true celebration.
4. The Rocky Horror Show
Based on the 1975 movie of (almost) the same name, The Rocky Horror Show is a weird and wonderful musical spectacle, and that's why we love it. The story opens on straight-laced Brad and Janet as they head to a nearby castle for help after their car breaks down. Inside, they discover a wild party packed with bizarre characters.
The story is bold and unabashedly outlandish, which adds to the fun. The most exciting part? The Sydney production features Jason Donovan of Neighbours (a long-running Australian soap opera) fame and Paralympic athlete Dylan Alcott.
Elevate your experience by wearing a costume to The Rocky Horror Show. Fans have a tradition of coming as their favorite characters, and there's a good chance you'll see plenty of Dr. Frank-N-Furters in the theater.
Dates: March 31 to May 12, 2024
Location: Theatre Royal Sydney
Australian Works
Australia has a thriving, although underappreciated, musical theater scene. Attending an Australian-made show is a great way to see how homegrown composers, writers, and lyricists approach the art form.
5. Zombie! The Musical
Zombie! The Musical takes place in Sydney, where a zombie virus is quickly transforming the population. Meanwhile, a group of community theater actors rehearse for a new show, blissfully unaware of the chaos outside. Doesn't sound familiar? That's because the brand-new production in Sydney is the world premiere.
Written by a theater nerd (Laura Murphy) for theater nerds, this musical is a love letter to (and a critique of) the quirks and complexities of the craft. The lyrics and script are packed with references, inside jokes, parodies, and homages.
Regular folks can appreciate it, but only theater people will understand the full experience. Look out for the not-so-subtle nods to theater greats, including Fosse and Gilbert and Sullivan.
Dates: March 8 to April 6, 2024
Location: Hayes Theatre Co.
6. Blanc de Blanc Encore
Get ready to leave the world behind. Blanc de Blanc Encore is an escape from reality. Step into the glittering world of the Roaring Twenties, where the bubbly flows freely and the themes are decidedly racy. (There's a reason it's adults-only.)
This cabaret-meets-circus show features singing, dazzling choreography, and awe-inspiring circus performances, all wrapped up in Gatsby-style costumes and flashing light bulbs.
The action at Blanc de Blanc Encore isn't limited to the stage. Performers move through the audience, occasionally flying right over your head. It's an in-your-face experience you won't soon forget. A musical circus performance with daring feats is definitely something we can get on board with.
Dates: November 8, 2023 to March 24, 2024
Location: Grand Electric
Contemporary Musicals
Contemporary musicals have a fresh, updated feeling, ringing with pop-inspired scores and more than a few riffs. In Sydney, you have a few chances to check out some of the groundbreaking modern shows reshaping the genre.
7. The Heartbreak Choir
The Heartbreak Choir reveals the complicated dynamics of community organizations — in this case, a choir.
After breaking away from their local chorus, a small group of singers decide to form a group of their own. In the process, they rediscover the power of song to forge meaningful connections between people from dramatically different backgrounds.
With a refreshingly real script and a score comprised entirely of Australian music, The Heartbreak Choir is a charming, down-to-earth take on the modern musical. If you've ever felt moved by music, you'll be touched by this heartfelt, genuine offering.
Dates: November 29, 2024 to January 12, 2025
Location: Ensemble Theatre
8. Dear Evan Hansen
Head to Sydney for the Australian premiere of Dear Evan Hansen, the runaway Broadway hit musical. The heartbreaking plot explores what happens when a lonely, anxiety-ridden teen accidentally gets wrapped up in a local family's tragedy. When the situation snowballs out of his control, he's forced to face the consequences.
Filled with grief and longing, Dear Evan Hansen features a distinctly contemporary score. If you're on social media, you may have heard the song Waving Through a Window, which was made famous by Ben Platt, the original Evan Hansen.
Dates: October 12 to November 17, 2024
Location: Sydney Theatre Company
Revivals
Some musicals are so beloved that they achieve a timeless quality. They feel relevant and thrilling, whether you've seen them once or 100 times. That's the reason revivals dominate the 2024 lineup of Sydney musicals. They're sure to draw big, enthusiastic crowds.
If you need a pick-me-up this year, these joyful shows are sure to leave you smiling.
9. Grease
Mark your calendars because you don't want to miss Grease at the Capitol Theatre. Beloved by professional companies and community theaters alike, Grease is one of the most popular musicals of all time.
It's simultaneously nostalgic and edgy as it explores the problems and heartbreaks of high school kids in the '50s. And while the setting is 70 years old, the themes are just as relevant today.
The most compelling part of Grease is its exuberance. Boys go from working under cars to dancing on top of them, and a simple sleepover story time turns into a musical extravaganza. With smash-hit songs, such as Hopelessly Devoted to You and You're the One That I Want, this musical will have you dancing in the aisles.
Dates: March 24-31, 2024
Location: Capitol Theatre
10. Chicago the Musical
Pop. Six. Squish. Cicero. Lipschitz! Chicago musical is coming to Sydney in 2024, complete with Australian performers, including television star Zoë Ventoura (Packed to the Rafters and Home and Away).
Next to The Phantom of the Opera, this musical is the longest-running show on Broadway. It's easy to see why — audiences never get tired of watching Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly sing and dance through jazz-age Chicago.
This acclaimed production might be new, but you can expect to see all the iconic dance numbers and showstopping songs, including All That Jazz and Cell Block Tango. Not to mention, Bob Fosse's original choreography is still going strong in this classic Kander and Ebb musical.
Dates: June 9 to July 14, 2024
Location: Capitol Theatre
11. Parade
Parade musical takes you back in time to the real-life events of 1913 when a Jewish man named Leo Frank was put on trial for a heinous crime. As the trial unfolds on stage, Frank's innocence is clear, but discrimination and anti-Semitism threaten to triumph over the truth.
Jason Robert Brown's lively, melodic score contrasts beautifully with the dark subject matter, bringing the story to life. He skillfully blends modern vocal techniques with timely period instrumentation, creating a retro vibe that's easy for contemporary audiences to appreciate.
Dates: May 9-25, 2024
Location: Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre
12: Sister Act
Get ready for an onslaught of singing nuns in Sister Act, a musical inspired by the blockbuster Whoopi Goldberg film from 1992. After witnessing a murder, showgirl Deloris Van Cartier goes into hiding in a convent.
Her presence shakes up the nuns in residence, but when Deloris takes control of the choir, she breathes new life into the struggling parish. But the choir's rise to fame attracts the attention of Deloris' murderous mobster boyfriend, resulting in a chaotic confrontation.
The stage version doesn't use the songs from the movie, but with the toe-tapping Motown-style score, you won't even notice. The script is funny and heartfelt, with the same edge that gave the original movie its charm.
Dates: August 2024
Location: Capitol Theatre
13. Sunset Boulevard
Musical theater fans across Australia are in for a treat. Sarah Brightman is returning to the stage in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard.
The famed soprano plays Norma Desmond, an aging (and slightly delusional) movie star from the era of silent films. Norma convinces a scriptwriter to move into her dilapidated mansion to collaborate on the script she believes will catapult her back into the spotlight.
If you've seen Sunset Boulevard before, you might be surprised by the Sydney revival. This lavish production is getting a makeover, complete with beautiful costumes, top-notch sets, and new staging, and we're here for it.
Are you going just to see Sarah Brightman? She performs Wednesday through Sunday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Actress Silvie Paladino performs the role on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday afternoons.
Dates: August 28 to November 1, 2024
Location: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Historical Figures
Famous people from history have always fascinated musical theater composers. If you're a history buff and theater lover, you won't want to miss these musicals in Sydney. Each one offers a new, tuneful perspective on prominent historical figures.
14. Elvis: A Musical Revolution
Elvis: A Musical Revolution features some of the best dancing you'll see all year. At most performances, the audience is on its feet, clapping along with the beat. It's hard not to. This jukebox musical features more than 40 of Elvis' most popular songs, including Burning Love, Love Me Tender, and Jailhouse Rock.
The plot focuses on Elvis' peak years, offering glimpses of the star at different times in his life. You might even recognize some of the anecdotes from Australian director Baz Luhrmann's 2022 movie Elvis, which starred Austin Butler.
The show covers a great deal of ground, but the music ties everything together. Look closely at the boy playing young Elvis. Producers conducted a nationwide talent search to find a new young actor to play the role in each city.
Dates: February 4 to March 9, 2024
Location: State Theatre
15. SIX the Musical
What if the six wives of Henry VIII came to life and told their stories via pop music? That's exactly what happens in SIX the Musical. These famous female figures are hitting the stage, and they're not holding anything back.
Through a series of fast-paced, funny songs, the women try to one-up each other with tales of their mutual horrible husband. The story starts with Catherine of Aragon and moves through Henry's succession of marriages.
SIX the Musical is a feast for all your senses. The clean production design feels anything but simple, thanks to clever, colorful lights and a tiered set. It all serves to showcase the incredible costumes, which feature elements of pop, punk, and rock and roll fashion.
Get your camera ready. The audience is allowed to film during the final number, and you don't want to miss out.
Dates: October 2024
Location: Theatre Royal Sydney
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Planning your Sydney itinerary? Make time for a Cirque du Soleil show while we’re in town!
Let the Curtain Rise on Your Next Theatrical Adventure
As Australia's largest city, Sydney is the epicenter of the country's musical theater scene. Whether you love slick contemporary shows or Golden Age classics, the 2024 season has something to light your musical-loving fire.
Like the musicals in Sydney, our shows are living, breathing embodiments of joy and vitality — often with otherworldly twists. Book tickets for our shows in Sydney to experience this unforgettable journey.