Musical theatre producers have been hit hard since COVID-19 first appeared in Australia in March 2020, but despite lockdowns, cancellations and postponements they have remained optimistic, rescheduling productions delayed by the pandemic, while also announcing new shows.

There are a large number of musicals programmed throughout 2022 in both the commercial and subsidised sector – from familiar fare such as The Phantom of the Opera and Mary Poppins, to more recent shows that play with the musical form like Hamilton and Girl From The North Country, to several new Australian musicals including Panawathi Girl, Come Rain or Come Shine and The Lovers. So there is much to excite musical theatre lovers this year around the country – though right now Omicron is proving to be yet another body blow.

An American In Paris

Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope in An American In Paris in London. Photo © Tristram Kenton

An American in Paris, co-produced by The Australian Ballet and GWB Entertainment, was to have had its official opening in Brisbane this week but despite their best efforts to protect the company the producers had to cancel performances between 11 and 16 January...