The Brisbane cabaret scene has once again delivered a stellar experience with “A Night At The Jukebox Musicals“, a nostalgic and exhilarating celebration of timeless jukebox musical hits. Following the success of last season’s A Night At The Musicals, this latest themed edition not only lived up to expectations but exceeded them with a perfect blend of energetic performances, live music, and feel-good vibes.
As soon as the show opened, the audience was transported into a world where iconic numbers from beloved musicals like Moulin Rouge, American Idiot, Mamma Mia, and Jersey Boys took center stage. The talented local Brisbane cast—Liam J O’Byrne, Cody Arthur, Spencer Cliff, Alex Watson, Henry Kafoa, Bonnie Page, Sophora Cliff, Carly Wilson, Laura Greenhalgh, Chelsea Sales, Nykita O’Keefe, Jordan Twigg, and Meg Hargraves—delivered high-energy renditions of crowd-favorites with a sense of ease and professionalism that made the entire night feel like a well-oiled machine of fun.
As soon as the show opened, the audience was transported into a world of iconic numbers from beloved musicals. The full cast kicked off with a powerful combination of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” from American Psycho and a Backstreet Boys throwback, a “Larger Than Life/Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely” mash-up from & Juliet. The insane harmonies and uplifting vibes immediately set the tone for the night, creating a sense of community within the audience. Closing out Act 1 with a stirring rendition of American Idiot’s “21 Guns” made for a powerful and emotional moment, leaving the audience in awe.
Carly Wilson shone in a delightful number ‘Up the ladder to the roof’ from Everyday Rapture alongside Nykita O’Keefe and Chelsea Sales, showcasing their vocal chemistry and passion. Carly’s quirky personality came through during “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” from Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, but her true shining moment came when she took center stage in “Holding Out for a Hero” from Footloose, owning the number with her powerful voice and stage presence.
Cody Arthur tugged at our heartstrings with a heartwarming rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend” from Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. His duet with Sophora Cliff on “I Got You Babe” from The Cher Show was equally stunning, full of warmth and charm.
Spencer Cliff and Alex Watson delivered emotionally charged performances with “Always on My Mind” from Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and “I Honestly Love You” from The Boy from Oz, both bringing the house to tears with their heartfelt interpretations.
Sophora Cliff found her voice in the soulful “Foolish Games” from Cruel Intentions: The 90’s Musical and added a hilarious touch alongside Henry Kafoa during the “Teenage Dream/Break Free” mash-up from & Juliet.
Laura Greenhalgh showcased incredible stage presence, especially in her duet with Liam J O’Byrne on “Torn” from Cruel Intentions: The 90’s Musical. Her standout moment came with “Beggin’” from Jersey Boys, where she truly shone as a vocal powerhouse.
Liam J O’Byrne brought the house down with a campy and hilarious flipped performance of “Does Your Mother Know” from Mamma Mia with Cody Arthur and Spencer Cliff, which was both entertaining and completely original.
Meg Hargraves captivated the audience with “Life on Mars” from Lazarus, and standout performance in “Head Over Feet” from Jagged Little Pill with Alex Watson, Laura Greenhalgh, and Spencer Cliff had the crowd tapping their feet.
Bonnie Page brought sass and energy to the stage with “Somebody to Love”, and her moving duet with Jordan Twigg on “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” from The Cher Show was both touching and powerful.
Jordan Twigg was sultry and stunning, especially during the “Sparkling Diamonds” mash-up from Moulin Rouge. She was a standout performer, particularly in the captivating rendition of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” from Beautiful: The Carole King Musical with Alex Watson, Chelsea Sales, Spencer Cliff, Cody Arthur and Liam J O’Byrne.
Nykita O’Keefe delivered a Whitney Houston-esque performance in “One Moment in Time” from The Bodyguard, while Chelsea Sales impressed with her Celine Dion-like vocals in “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” from Bat Out of Hell: The Musical.
Henry Kafoa’s rendition of “Your Song” from Moulin Rouge was brave and iconic, while his duet with Meg Hargraves on “Who Wants to Live Forever” from We Will Rock You was simply unforgettable.
Backing the performers was a live four-piece band, whose flawless execution brought depth to the show’s soundtrack, elevating the entire experience. From high-octane numbers to soulful ballads, the music served as the lifeblood of the night, keeping the energy high from start to finish.
The seamless transitions between numbers, paired with vibrant choreography, kept the audience engaged, and the occasional surprise arrangement of familiar hits breathed new life into well-loved songs. Whether it was the infectious energy of Mamma Mia’s “Dancing Queen” or the emotionally charged ballads from American Idiot, every moment felt meticulously crafted for maximum enjoyment.
To further enhance the experience, the Ron Hurley Theatre provided the perfect intimate venue, and the addition of themed cocktails helped set the mood for a lively, immersive evening. These touches, along with the enthusiastic crowd participation, transformed the show into more than just a performance—it was an all-out party.
“A Night At The Jukebox Musicals” delivers exactly what it promises: an unforgettable evening of music, nostalgia, and celebration. Whether you’re a fan of jukebox musicals or simply looking for an entertaining night out in Brisbane, this show is a must-see. If you missed it this time, keep an eye out—this is one production that’s sure to make a comeback!
TICKETS
Now playing at Ron Hurley Theatre
All images By Brit Creative.
The Fame Reporter 