Baz Luhrmann's STRICTLY BALLROOM Begins Rehearsals in Sydney

Rehearsals have begun with director Baz Luhrmann for an exciting, action packed eight week intensive rehearsal period at Carriageworks in Sydney for STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL presented by Global Creatures.

Newcomers Thomas Lacey and Phoebe Panaretos will play the roles of 'Scott Hastings' and 'Fran'. Their excitement at being chosen from an audition process that lasted eight months and involved close to 600 auditionees is palpable.

Lacey and Panaretos will be joined by principal performers Heather Mitchell, Drew Forsythe, Mark Owen-Taylor, Robert Grubb,Bob Baines, Fernando Mira, Natalie Gamsu, along with the entire multi-talented 'triple threat' cast.

STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL is the inspiring story of a championship ballroom dancer who defies all the rules to follow his heart. This uplifting and courageous tale will commence previews on Tuesday, March 25 with the official world premiere tangoing and sashaying onto the world's stage on Saturday, April 12 at Sydney's Lyric Theatre, Star City.

This brand new theatrical production will be brought to the stage by the original creative team behind the classic 1992 film, including director and co-writer Baz Luhrmann, set and costume designer Catherine Martin, choreographer John "Cha Cha" O'Connell, and co-writer Craig Pearce.

Follow STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL on Twitter: @strictlystage, Facebook: Facebook.com/strictlyballroomthemusical or visit www.strictlyballroomthemusical.com.