Sydney has secured the Australian premiere of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Capitol Theatre from November 2021, continuing the Harbour City’s run of internationally acclaimed theatre productions.
The 11-week season will bring the magic of musical – which originally starred Julie Andrews in the title role of the television production – to life in Sydney, providing visitors and locals with a fairytale ending to an evening in the city. It will be presented by Opera Australia and The Gordon Frost Organisation.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, was proud to support the show to benefit the state’s visitor economy.
“Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella is a spectacular contemporary adaptation of much-loved favourite and will appeal to many audiences, from young fans and seasoned theatre-goers to families that enjoy the magic of fairytales,” he said.
“This universal appeal is why the NSW Government has secured the Australian premiere of the musical for Sydney, creating the opportunity to attract visitors from intrastate and interstate who will support local businesses during their stay.
“We anticipate this production will attract more than 20,000 visitors to Sydney, delivering $13.3 million in visitor expenditure for NSW.
“We know major productions like Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Disney’s Frozen, Chicago, Muriel’s Wedding and the multi award-winning Hamilton drive economic benefit for the state through job creation and visitor expenditure and create social benefit for our community through provision of the arts and shared experiences.
“Sydney is a city of the stage and we’ve been leading the world in getting COVID-safe productions up and running – now we’re building on the calendar to keep audiences engaged and visitors planning their next city escape to see a show.”
Rodgers & Hammerstein originally wrote the musical for a 1957 television broadcast starring Julie Andrews that broke viewer records at the time of its premiere. It was adapted for Broadway in 2013 and has been nominated for nine Tony Awards.
Opera Australia Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini AM and leading theatre producer John Frost AM said audiences would love the hilarious and romantic tale.
“Featuring incredible orchestrations, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love from the classic story, you’ll be transported back to your childhood and also be delighted by the contemporary twists,” Mr Terracini and Mr Frost said.
The NSW Government and Destination NSW has identified securing world-class events – including compelling in-venue theatre, arts and cultural programming – as a key priority in the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030.
Tickets go on sale on 30 April, with pre-sales from 26 April – waitlist now open at www.cinderellamusical.com.au
