Brisbane’s thriving theatre scene has outdone itself once again with this season’s local cabaret, A Night at The Musicals, a dazzling showcase of musical theatre classics, stirring ballads, and a generous dose of comedy. This March, audiences are invited on a journey through Broadway and West End’s most beloved productions, performed with heart, humor, and undeniable talent.
From the moment the cast took the stage, it was clear that this was a production filled with passion and precision. The evening’s repertoire featured a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary brilliance, with classics from The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, and Sunset Boulevard seamlessly woven alongside newer showstoppers from The Notebook and Operation Mincemeat. Each number was met with resounding applause, a testament to both the performers’ skill and the emotional weight of these theatrical gems.
The ensemble cast—featuring seasoned performers such as Asabi Goodman, Vivien Emsworth, and Nathan Kneen, alongside fresh talents like Paige McKay and Cody Arthur—brought a dynamic energy to the stage.
Asabi Goodman shone in both comedic and dramatic moments, belting out a hilarious and powerful rendition of Raise Your Voice from Sister Act, before delivering a moving and emotive performance of Pressing On from Girl from the North Country.
Alex Watson brought undeniable charisma, humor, and showmanship to the stage, with a cheeky and engaging performance of Way Ahead of My Time from The Taxi Cabaret. His comedic timing was spot-on as he took on Jared in Sincerely Me from Dear Evan Hansen, and his fast-paced, gender-bent version of Getting Married Today from Company had the audience in stitches.
Laura Greenhalgh exuded sass and confidence in Watch What Happens from Newsies, later showcasing her versatility with Casey Martin in a hilarious yet heartbreaking rendition of Breaking Up from Peter Mills.
Casey Martin delivered a touching and powerful performance of Right This Way from Bandstand and gave a compelling portrayal of Connor Murphy in Sincerely Me from Dear Evan Hansen.
Finlay Underwood was both mysterious and menacing in a gripping performance of Sunset Boulevard, later switching gears to embody Evan in Sincerely Me with a striking presence.
Jordan Twigg’s astonishing vocal performance in With One Look from Sunset Boulevard was a standout, with crystal-clear notes and stunning acting chops on display in Class from Chicago, a duet performed alongside the equally brilliant Hannah Bennett.
Hannah Bennett gave a powerhouse performance of You Oughta Know from Jagged Little Pill, pouring raw emotion into every note and delivering a truly unforgettable moment.
Nathan Kneen’s deep, rich voice brought an air of mystery to Beauty and the Beast and a breathtaking duet of The Phantom of the Opera with Vivien Emsworth, whose rendition of I’d Give My Life for You from Miss Saigon was both stunning and heart-wrenching. She also brought wonderful comedic flair to Getting Married Today.
Sophora Cliff captivated audiences with a rare and beautiful performance of the title song from Starlight Express. One of the evening’s absolute highlights was her duet with Paige McKay in Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder—their English accents, playful banter, and hilarious delivery made this number an unforgettable comedic gem.
Paige McKay also delivered a stunningly emotional rendition of She Used to Be Mine from Waitress, later joining Asabi Goodman, Laura Greenhalgh, and Cody Arthur in a breathtaking mash-up of Over the Rainbow and Home from The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz respectively.
Cody Arthur had the audience in stitches with a gender-bent performance of Just One Step from Songs for a New World, later teaming up with Liam J O’Byrne for a hilarious gender-swapped duet of That’s Life from Smash.
Liam J O’Byrne’s comedic timing was impeccable, delivering an entertaining and fresh take on I Can Hear the Bells from Hairspray, embracing the gender switch concept to fantastic effect.
Carly Wilson brought an iconic Aussie character to life with a heartfelt and hopeful performance as Muriel Heslop, performing The Bouquet and Here Comes the Bride back to back with great emotional depth.
The brilliance of this cabaret was not just in its stellar cast but also in the thoughtfulness of its setlist. Act 2 was particularly inspired, telling a cohesive story of a relationship’s journey—from the full-cast opening with We Love Jesus from Shucked, through wedding songs, the doubts of a relationship, the heartbreak of breaking up, to the realization of self-worth with Simply the Best. The transitions between numbers were seamless, with cast members flowing effortlessly on and off stage, interacting naturally to enhance the overarching narrative.
Brisbane’s local theatre community has once again proven its strength with this outstanding production. For both seasoned theatre lovers and newcomers alike, A Night at The Musicals is a must-see event, celebrating the magic of musical theatre with brilliance and heart. With a cast this talented and a setlist this strong, the show is a shining example of why live performance continues to captivate and inspire.
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All images supplied.
The Fame Reporter 