Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet” is coming to Melbourne’s Astor Theatre next month, framed by a live choir and band.
Presented by Sony Music Australia, the production will bring one of the world’s most iconic love stories to life, reinventing how to watch the famous 1996 film, which brought Luhrmann to global audiences, and enjoy the harmony of theatre and music.
The Australian debut comes after more than ten years of sold-out shows in London. First created by Backyard Cinema in the UK, the local version coincides with the film’s 30th anniversary.
Director Baz Luhrmann adapted the classic Shakespearean tragedy for the screen, updating the setting to a post-modern city named Verona Beach. In this version, the Capulets and the Montagues are two conflicting gangs. Starring Claire Danes as Juliet and Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo, it follows the star-crossed lovers’ relationship journey in the midst of the familial rivalry.
It is one of many adaptations of the Shakespeare play. Others include “West Side Story”, “Gnomeo and Juliet”, and more recently, “& Juliet”.
At The Astor Theatre, the choir and band will provide an immersive experience for fans of the film to enjoy, celebrating and elevating the incredible soundtrack with hits including “Young Hearts”, “Everybody’s Free”, “Kissing You” and “When Doves Cry” to mark the special occasion.
Backyard Cinema’s CEO and Founder, Dominic Davies, promises it to be a captivating event: “Audiences really feel like they’re stepping into Verona as we don the theatre for a multisensory experience.”
Vanessa Picken, CEO and Chair of Sony Music Australia and New Zealand, said this was the “perfect moment” to truly feel the film in new light.
“The Astor Theatre is such an iconic Melbourne venue and will provide a majestic backdrop for the immersive performance – it will be an experience like no other,” she said.
“The show has done incredibly well in London for a long time.”
She said Sony Music will add a “local slant”, which she is “really looking forward to”, with a well-known narrator to be announced soon.
The event has garnered quick attention locally, with ticket demand leading Sony Music to add matinee performances to the existing schedule. The event will take place from September 23-28 nightly. Matinees will be on Wednesday and Friday.
Tickets are available via Ticketek.