Strictly Ballroom the Musicalis a musical theatre adaptation of the 1992 filmStrictly Ballroom.It is credited as being created byBaz Luhrmannwith book by Baz Luhrmann andCraig Pearceadapted byTerry Johnson.
| Strictly Ballroom | |
|---|---|
| Music | Various |
| Lyrics | Various |
| Book | Baz Luhrmann&Craig Pearce |
| Basis | 1992 filmStrictly Ballroom |
| Premiere | 12 April 2014:Sydney Lyric,Sydney |
| Productions | 2014 Sydney 2015Melbourne 2016Leeds 2017Toronto 2018West End 2022 UK Tour |
There are two versions of the show - one consists of a score of existing music and songs, with previous productions featuring a mix of existing songs alongside new musical numbers written for the show byDavid Foster,Sia,Isaac Hasson,Bernie Herms,Baz Luhrmann,MoZella,Neff-U, Craig Pearce,Eddie Perfectand Linda Thompson. Both productions feature songs such as "Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps"and"Time After Time".
Production history
editIn May 2011, it was announced thatStrictly Ballroomwould be adapted into a stage musical.[1]The musical was premièred at theSydney Lyricon 12 April 2014, featuringThomas Laceyas Scott andPhoebe Panaretosas Fran, where it received mixed reviews.[2]Parts of the musical were reworked, including a new opening number, for the Melbourne season which opened atHer Majesty's Theatrein January 2015.[2][3]The Melbourne season was better received, and the musical subsequently toured to theLyric Theatre, QPACin Brisbane in September 2015.[4]At the2014 Helpmann Awards,Strictly Ballroomreceived seven nominations including forBest Musical.
On 3 December 2019, it was announced the show would embark on a UK Tour directed byStrictly Come DancingjudgeCraig Revel Horwoodin September 2020.[5]Due to theImpact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the performing arts,the tour has been postponed twice to 2021 and then 2022.[6]
West End Production
editWith a further revised book, the removal of all new songs, and the introduction of many more popular songs, a new production directed and choreographed byDrew McOnie,received its British premiere on 30 November 2016 at theWest Yorkshire Playhousein Leeds. The musical received its North American premiere in Toronto at thePrincess of Wales Theatreon 25 April 2017.
This version transferred to theWest Endat thePiccadilly Theatreon 24 April 2018, following previews from 29 March.[7]The showOn 31 July 2018,Matt Cardletook over the role of Wally Strand.
Musical numbers
editSource:[2]
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Roles and original casts
editOriginal productions
editSource:[citation needed]
| Character | Sydney (2014) | West End (2018) Piccadilly Theatre |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Hastings | Thomas Lacey | Jonny Labey |
| Fran (Just Fran) | Phoebe Panaretos | Zizi Strallen |
| Wally Strand | Will Young | |
| Pam Short, Natalie, Charm, Auditionee | Angela Kennedy (as Charm)
Angie Stapleton (as Pam Short) |
Michelle Bishop |
| Merv | Damien Bermingham | Ivan De Freitas |
| Shirley Hastings | Heather Mitchell | Anna Francolini |
| Vanessa Cronin | Ash Bee | Gabriela Garcia |
| Tina Sparkle | Nadia Coote | Charlotte Gooch |
| Les Kendall | Bob Baines | Richard Greive |
| Barry Fife | Gerard Horan | |
| Wayne Burns | Andrew Cook | Liam Marcellino |
| Doug Hastings | Drew Forsythe | Stephen Matthews |
| Rico | Fernando Mira | Fernando Mira |
| Abuela | Eve Polycarpou | |
| Liz Holt | Sophia Katos | Lauren Stroud |
| Ken Railings | Rohan Browne | Gary Watson |
References
edit- ^"Sydney to host Strictly Ballroom premiere".The Australian.23 May 2011.Retrieved17 August2017.
- ^abcCuthbertson, Debbie (2015-01-16)."Strictly Ballroom shifts gear for Melbourne run in 'grand old dame' Her Majesty's Theatre".The Age.Retrieved2017-09-08.
- ^Puvanenthiran, Bhakthi (2015-01-06)."Eddie Perfect to give Strictly Ballroom a fresh start in Melbourne".The Sydney Morning Herald.Retrieved2017-09-08.
- ^Dean, Jodie (10 September 2015)."Strictly Ballroom the Musical sweeps Brisbane QPAC crowd off their feet".Brisbane Times.Retrieved17 August2017.
- ^"Strictly Ballroom The Musical to embark on tour with Craig Revel Horwood directing | WhatsOnStage".www.whatsonstage.com.Retrieved2021-03-31.
- ^"Strictly Ballroom The Musical UK Tour - Rescheduled Dates for 2021/2022".LondonTheatre1.2020-05-13.Retrieved2021-03-31.
- ^Brown, Mark (2018-02-14)."Strictly Ballroom to get its West End musical debut".The Guardian.Retrieved2018-04-24.
External links
edit- Official website(archived)