Encore! Songs From The Musicals (Opera Australia), at Regent Theatre - 2 hours 10 minutes (including interval)

Magnificent, rich, rounded voices against the backdrop of musical excellence.

Clarity of sound, stunning solos, delicious duets and rousing three-part harmonies. 

But wait. There is more. 

The six artistes that take to the stage at the Regent Theatre are all leading performers who have fronted the biggest musicals. 

I speak of The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Miss Saigon and Sunset Boulevard, for starters.

With personality, energy and versatility to burn, it is not for naught that Caroline O’Connor has endeared herself to Australian, Broadway and West End audiences.

With down to Earth charm and sass, she sings, dances and acts (although not the latter here), leaving audiences in awe of her all-round talents.

In Opera Australia’s Encore! Songs From Musicals, she opens the show (after Orchestra Victoria’s Overture), with a walk down memory lane. 

She speaks of her first time interacting with Opera Australia, as a 19-year-old in 1982, when she was chosen to perform in the company’s then ballet ensemble.

So it is that each of the six featured artists have the opportunity to reflect on their experiences with Australia’s leading opera company. A nice touch that I loved hearing about.

They do so in between a superb repertoire that includes full songs and medleys. 

Among the musicals covered in Act I are South Pacific, Anastasia, A Little Night Music, West Side Story, Hadestown, Anything Goes and The Phantom of the Opera. 

Songs include I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair, Send in the Clowns, Maria, Anything Goes and the stirring The Music of the Night.

After interval, Evita is up first, followed by The King & I, Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Guys & Dolls, My Fair Lady, Miss Saigon and Sunset Boulevard.

Songs include Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, I Have Dreamed, I Could Have Danced All Night, Sunset Boulevard and Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ The Boat.

Together with O’Connor, Ashleigh Rubenach’s soaring vocals and Abigail Adriano’s emotional resonance elevate the experience. 

So too Jarrod Draper and Nigel Huckle’s delightful tone and baritone Raphael Wong’s enviable depth.

Highly expressive conductor Vanessa Scammell is in fine form fronting the superb Orchestra Victoria, even tickling the ivories for one number.

At this point, I would be remiss not to mention the glorious gowns and dashing evening attire worn by all the performers.

In short, they leave those featured in The Devil Wears Prada (and its sequel) in the shade. 

Evocative lighting and a wonderful sound mix complete the compelling picture.

So it is that director Mark Sutcliffe has ensured that Opera Australia’s Encore! Songs From Musicals, part of the company’s 70th anniversary celebrations, is majestic.

There are two further performances – at 7:30pm on Friday, 29^th May and at 2pm on Saturday, 30^th May, 2026.

To buy tickets, go to https://opera.org.au/productions/encore-melbourne/