There’s nothing as infectiously upbeat and whimsical as a musical on any day of the year. Come Christmas, however, and these singing, dancing, show-stopping productions are the heavy-lifters of holiday cheer. A Christmas musical is a way to tear through the chaos of the holiday period and just sit, relax, and let dozens of the world’s most talented performers pull you into an immersive world that’ll surely set the tone for the rest of the holiday period.
We know you’re already planning to stalk Sydney’s streets in search of the best Christmas lights, get your shopping fix at Sydney’s best Christmas markets, maybe check out some Christmas carols and definitely get involved with the many Sydney Christmas traditions out there. But your puzzle of festive cheer just isn’t complete without seeing at least one of these musicals, specially produced to keep those spirits sky high for the big day.
The best Christmas musicals in Sydney
1. Home Alone In Concert
John Williams’ evocative score for Christmas comedy (slash invasion thriller) Home Alone will spring to life when the Sydney Symphony perform 4 special holiday concerts in tribute to Chris Columbus’ 1990 smash. Set in the Sydney Opera House and running for just one weekend, the special performances are designed to lift the cherished holiday movie to staggering heights with a mix of matinee and evening performances strung from Thursday, December 5 to Sunday, December 8.
Where: Sydney Opera House; Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
When: December 5-8; various times
Price: $55
2. Elf: The Musical
Home Alone isn’t the only Christmas classic taking to Sydney stages this year. While the 1990 comedy will be led by Sydney Symphony, Elf: The Musical turns the charming Will Ferrel hit into a full-blown production. Working with an on-stage band of 15 world-class musicians, no less than 16 of Australia’s best stage performers have been brought on to bring new life to this story of a Peter Pan-esque Elf rediscovering his humanity in New York City while tracking down his birth father (a surly man who is, unsurprisingly, on Santa’s naughty list).
Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin form part of the cast, while Tony Award-winning writers Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin handle the book.
Where: Sydney Opera House; Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
When: December 19 – 29
Price: $99.90 – $159.90
3. The Australian Chamber Orchestra Presents The Nutcracker
Mix a bit of culture with Christmas this year and head along to Dawes Point to see The Australian Chamber Orchestra performing The Nutcracker. The time-honoured Christmas musical has been worked up with David McAllister to offer guests a mix of live classical music and ballet, offering something a bit different to do in Sydney for Xmas.
Where: Suite 3, 13A Hickson Road, Dawes Point
When: December 14-22
Price: $39
4. The Christmas Spectacular
The State Theatre’s annual Christmas Spectacular show once again takes over the heritage venue in the week leading up to Christmas Day. The whimsical 90-minute production plays as a Christmas themed variety show, stringing songs, dances and world-class performers like The Voice finalist Prinnie Stevens and Australia’s Got Talent illusionist Michael Boyd.
Where: The State Theatre; 49 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
When: December 20-22
Price: $59 – $79
5. Christmas Actually: The Music of Love Actually
We have musicals for both Home Alone and Elf this month. But there’s one Christmas movie that really can’t be ignored every time the holidays roll around. That is, classic rom-com Love Actually. The Richard Curtis classic about 8 couples finding love in their own special way will be reimagined with live songs by Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy, Kelly Clarkson and more.
Some of Australia’s top stage musicians are taking part, as well as prolific stage singers Andy Cook, Alisa Todd, Tim Carroll and cabaret icon, Libby O’Donovan OAM. Best of all, it takes place in one of Sydney’s most spectacular new venues, the impressive Sydney Coliseum Theatre in Rooty Hill.
Where: Sydney Coliseum Theatre; 33 Railway St, Rooty Hill NSW 2766
When: Saturday, December 21
Price: $59.90 – $79.90
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