Strictly Baz Luhrmann
Celebrate the music of Baz Luhrmann’s films with Opera Australia
Three decades since legendary director Baz Luhrmann directed an era-defining production of La Bohème for Opera Australia, the company is celebrating his extraordinary cinematic career with a musical showcase from his most successful films for two nights only in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, 23 and 24 June 2025.
Strictly Baz Luhrmann will star four of Australia’s finest singers who, along with the Opera Australia Orchestra, will bring to life the music from Luhrmann’s movies, highlighting what has become a unique sonic trademark that blends drama, romance and opulence.
Stage and screen star Tim Draxl will return to the Opera House after recently attracting rave reviews for his performance in Sunset Boulevard. He’ll be joined by fellow musical theatre stars Alinta Chidzey, Ryan Gonzalez and Phoebe Panaretos all of whom are extremely well acquainted with the music of Luhrmann’s films.
Phoebe was hand-picked by Luhrmann to star as Fran in the world premiere of Strictly Ballroom: The Musical. Both Alinta and Ryan originated the roles of Satine and Santiago respectively in the Australian tour of Moulin Rouge! All are making their Opera Australia debuts.
Celebrated conductor Vanessa Scammell will be leading the impressive cast and orchestra through the rich catalogue of hits, demonstrating how the power of music and song helped shaped the visionary director’s grandeur and unforgettable cinematic legacy.
Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan said:
“The concert will feature music from Luhrmann’s widely celebrated Red Curtain Trilogy; his first three films that propelled him to Hollywood stardom and earned him the reputation as one of the most innovative filmmakers of the 21st century; Strictly Ballroom (1992), Romeo + Juliet (1996) and Moulin Rouge (2001).”
The concert will also include memorable songs from Luhrmann’s later soundtrack classics such as Australia (2008), The Great Gatsby (2013) and Elvis (2022).
Audiences will be treated to a blend of crowd-pleasing favourites that include Kissing You, Time After Time, Love is the Air, Come What May, Young Hearts Run Free, One Day I’ll Fly Away, Can’t Help Falling in Love plus many more.
Strictly Baz Luhrmann is presented in association with Make My Mark.
Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall: 7.00pm Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 June 2025
Bookings Adult tickets from $49 (fees may apply)
Opera Australia Box Office (02) 9318 8200 www.opera.org.au
