Baz Lurhman creates another glittery work of art, this time on stage with Strictly Ballroom the Musical set to premiere at Sydney's Lyric Theatre in March 2014.
Lurhman’s cinematic productions, including The Great Gatsby, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge and Strictly Ballroom have a tendency to go out all out (to put it mildly) and the stage adaptation of his first motion picture film will be no exception.
“I think the simple truth is that, despite all the sequins, outrageous hairdos and classic Hollywood musical plotting, the simple message that there isn’t only one way to cha cha cha, and that within us all we have the true potential to dance through life with our own steps is something that appeals to all of us," he told Aussie Theatre. "The message that life doesn’t have to be strictly ballroom is something I hope to have our audiences carry with them as they dance down the aisles.”
So far, no stars have been cast for the lead roles and Lurhman, who will be directing the musical himself, has his eyes set on talent from rural Australia.
Lurhman’s own Ballroom dancing days will be relived in style with his wife, Catherine Martin on board as the Designer and John O'Connell as choreographer. The musical is being produced by Global Creatures (King Kong, War Horse) who recently won a Helpmann award for Outstanding Theatrical Achievement in the design, creation and operation of King Kong.
Previews for Strictly Ballroom the Musical will begin on March 25, 2014 and the opening night has been scheduled for April 12, 2014.
- Lauren Della Marta
