Southern 'Summer' Stages - BWW's Top Picks for the Melbourne Winter!

It's that time again! As the temperatures drop in Melbourne, we find the best ways for Southern Hemisphere theatre lovers to stay warm and entertained. From hit shows to much-loved revivals, through flying visits from a Broadway legend, Melbourne has much to get us through the winter months ...

The Blockbusters

KING KONG - World Premiere Season from June 2013, Regent Theatre

It is billed as the theatrical event of the decade, a true spectacle of song, circus and animatronics. This theatre imagining of the classic KING KONG story features a score of musical standards, and one of the world's most technologically advanced puppets - the eponymous six metre high silverback star of the show.

Melbourne audiences are the first to be introduced to KING KONG The Musical. For tickets and further information on a show that has been five years in the making, click here.

LEGALLY BLONDE The Musical - Now Playing, Princess Theatre

OMG! After a successful Sydney run, Lucy Durack and the snap-tastic Australian cast of LEGALLY BLONDE have made the move to Melbourne. Durack has been gaining rave reviews as the not-as-ditzy-as-she-seems Elle Woods in this musical version of the hit Hollywood film; like the sugar hit of pink frosting, her LEGALLY BLONDE is the feel-good show of the winter season.

For tickets and further information (bend, snap and) click here.

The Perennials

GYPSY, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN & THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE - The Production Company 2013 Season

For 15 years The Production Company has flown the musical flag for the great, classic shows of our time, delivering definitive musical theatre for purists and newbies alike. A highlight of this 15th anniversary year will come in July when the fabulous Caroline O'Connor takes her turn as Mama Rose in the Gale Edwards directed GYPSY. They've had to add new shows already because as The Production Company knows, some classics only get better with time.

For tickets and further information on The Production Company's stellar 2013 season, click here.

The Broadway Diva

Idina Menzel with Melbourne Pops Orchestra - Sunday 30th June, Hamer Hall

Idina Menzel introduced the world to a young, WICKED witch and gave us a beloved anthem with her DEFYING GRAVITY. She is a bone fide musical theatre icon who made her Broadway debut in the history-making original production of RENT, and went on to won a Tony for her role as our very first Elphaba. A cross-over star who can currently be seen on the hit show Glee, Idina Menzel will appear with the Melbourne Pops Orchestra for one night only in June.

For tickets and further information on Idina Menzel's Melbourne debut click here.

The Favourite Son

Eddie Perfect in SHANE WARNE The Musical - June 20th & 21st, Hamer Hall

Eddie Perfect is joined by a 24 piece orchestra, Lisa McCune and Shane Jacobson in this 2013 update of his satirical hit, SHANE WARNE The Musical. Perfect is one of Melbourne's clearest voices, a writer and performer of wit and heart, and this concert presentation offers up his talents across both.

For tickets and further information on this Perfect Melbourne event, click here. (Continued next page).

The Movers and Shakers

STOMP 13 - August, Comedy Theatre

Using anything and everything to make music, STOMP has been noisily thrilling audiences for 22 years. This 2013 incarnation of the dance and music extravaganza features new routines and new ways to be heard. After entertaining more than 15 million people across 48 countries, it is once again Melbourne's turn to make some noise.

For tickets to the return of this international smash, click here.

HOT SHOE SHUFFLE - August through September, Her Majesty's Theatre

One of our biggest international successes is coming home after nearly 20 years of tapping its way around the world. Set to the music of the 1940's and choreographed by legends of dance David Atkins and Dein Perry, HOT SHOE SHUFFLE is an Australian classic making a welcome return.

For tickets and more information (shuffle over and) click here.

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So there you have it! A by no means exhaustive list of ways for Melbourne's thriving theatre scene to keep you warm throughout the season. Got any suggestions you'd like to add? We'd love to hear. Who needs summer when winter looks and sounds this good, right?!

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