The highly acclaimed new Australian musical, Muriel's Wedding The Musical, returns to Sydney this June.
Fresh from a successful Melbourne season, the hit musical is a theatrical version of PJ Hogan's iconic 1994 film.
Updated to today by the writer himself, Muriel's Wedding The Musical features music and lyrics by Australian award-winning songwriters Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall.
The Melbourne season had critics raving with The Age describing it as "astonishing... a triumphant blaze of colour and emotion" while the Herald-Sun said it was "enormous fun... bold, brash and big hearted".
Playing the much-loved lead role of Muriel Heslop is newcomer Natalie Abbott, who the Herald Sun described as "radiant as Muriel". "Her grinning enthusiasm is utterly infectious". Broadway World said it was a "powerhouse professional debut". "Natalie Abbott is an absolute superstar. From the minute she appears on that stage you know you're in for a treat."
The role of Muriel's best friend Rhonda is played by Stefanie Jones (Les Misérables, The Sound of Music, Dreamlover, Once The Musical) who has also received accolades for her performance.
Their female friendship is at the heart of the production, with The Sunday Age singling this out for praise. "Amid jokes and irony are songs of arresting honesty. I was far from the only viewer wiping tears during some of the moments between Muriel and Rhonda," wrote critic John Bailey.
Muriel's Wedding The Musical celebrated its world premiere in Sydney in November 2017, going onto win five Helpmann Awards, seven Sydney Theatre Awards, an Awgie Award, the 2018 David Williamson Prize and an ARIA Award Nomination.
Previews at the Sydney Lyric Theatre will be held from June 28 with opening night on July 4. Tickets are on sale now, visit www.murielsweddingthemusical.com for all details.
WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN
The Blue Mountains Gazette has three double passes to Muriel's Wedding the Musical to give away.
For a chance to win double passes for the performance at 8pm on Friday, June 28 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre tell us why you love Muriel's Wedding in 25 words or less.
Email entries to damien.madigan@fairfaxmedia.com.au (subject line - Muriel's Wedding) or mail entries to Blue Mountains Gazette Muriel's Wedding Competition, PO Box 21, Springwood 2777. Entries can also be left at our office at 274 Macquarie Road, Springwood.
Entries close 5pm June 21.