The much-loved Australian film that inspired the world to dance will come to life on stage in a brand new musical theatre production that will make its global premiere in Sydney from 25 March 2014.

“Sydney will host one on the most anticipated musicals in recent times. Baz Luhrmann will undoubtedly dazzle our state’s theatre goers – and generate more than $20 million in visitor expenditure for NSW over a six month run,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“This uniquely Australian story was devised right here in Sydney. Not only was Strictly Ballroom a box office hit, it launched the global career of an Australian entertainment icon – and I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Baz Luhrmann back to Sydney today.

“There are plenty of cities around the world that wanted to premiere Strictly Ballroom and I am very proud that Sydney was chosen over the likes of London and New York.

“It’s a clear vote of confidence in Sydney as an events destination from Baz Luhrmann, and producers Carmen Pavlovic and Gerry Ryan of Global Creatures.”

Strictly Ballroom is the inspiring story of a championship ballroom dancer who defies all the rules to follow his heart.

Co-written by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, Strictly Ballroom started as a stage play in 1984 before going on to become one of the most successful Australian films of all time.

Strictly Ballroom The Musical will feature the original creative team behind the 1992 film including director and co-writer Baz Luhrmann, set and costume designer Catherine Martin, choreographer John O’Connell and co-writer Craig Pearce.

Strictly Ballroom will feature a score created from original classics from the film including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps, and Time After Time, as well as new compositions.

Baz Luhrmann said Strictly Ballroom has been an almost 30 year journey – from a small student play to his first motion picture and now a theatrical stage musical.
“I have often marvelled at how this story has been in my life for so many years and has managed to touch, entertain and uplift people from so many different backgrounds,” he said.
“I think the simple truth is that despite all the sequins the simple message that there isn’t only one way to cha cha cha, and that within us all we have the true potential to dance our own steps, is something that appeals to all of us.”

Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris said, “Strictly Ballroom The Musical has huge appeal and will attract audiences from all over Australia and across the globe.

“The NSW Government has supported events that have injected more than $600 million into the state economy between 2011 and 2012, including the Helpmann Award-winning Legally Blonde and Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour,” he said.

“We are committed to securing the best musicals and live performances to attract visitors to our state – for each six month run of a first run musical about 7,000 overseas visitors and 26,000 interstate visitors come to Sydney.”

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said the Premier’s commitment to securing the global premiere of Strictly Ballroom The Musical shows leadership in the creative services, and will give visitors another reason to visit Sydney.

“It’s set to be an amazing performance that you would expect only Baz Luhrmann and his creative team to deliver,” she said.

Strictly Ballroom The Musical will be produced in Australia by Global Creatures and Bazmark together with the support of Destination NSW.

Tickets on sale: 9am Monday 12 August 

For more information please visit strictlyballroomthemusical.com
Bookings ticketmaster.com.au or showbiz.com.au/strictlyballroom

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