Australian Musical Theatre Festival announces artistic teams, new shows and stars

Today, Artistic Director Tyran Parke announced the artistic teams behind two major musical works to be presented at the Australian Musical Theatre Festival to be held in Launceston, Tasmania from 20 to 24 May 2026, revealing a bold program that brings together Australia’s most celebrated performers with outstanding local and emerging talent.

Opening the Festival will be Well Behaved Women, directed by Ylaria Rogers. This acclaimed Australian song cycle traces the stories of influential women through history — from Eve to Julia Gillard — weaving a powerful and playful musical tapestry that celebrates courage, leadership, and legacy.

 

 

In a major festival coup, international composer and lyricist Carmel Dean will travel from Broadway to Launceston to attend opening night. The performance will feature an exceptional cast including Nadine Garner (Cabaret), Delia Hannah (Cats), alongside a strong Tasmanian ensemble: Nicole Farrow, Maria Lurighi, Samantha Hammersley, Alana Lane, Shanice Osita Chuku, and Brooke Target.

Carmel Dean:

I am thrilled that the Australian Musical Theatre Festival is presenting Well Behaved Women as their opening performance in 2026. I have watched the festival grow and thrive over the past six years, and I am so excited for this creative team to present this song cycle which honours so many bad-ass women — including several Aussies — throughout history. Book your ticket to Tassie now, support new Australian work, and be thoroughly entertained in the process.

While in Launceston, Dean will also host the Festival’s New Work Evening, presented at The Diva Den (the Festival Bar) on Thursday 21 May. This special event will showcase new musical theatre work from across Australia, selected through an open submission process. Submissions will open shortly, with the winning song to be performed live by one of the festival’s leading artists at The Diva Den.

Also announced is the Tasmania premiere of The Frogs, by Burt Shevelove, Nathan Lane, and Stephen Sondheim. Featuring an all-star cast led by John Xintavelonis (Guys and Dolls), John O’Hara (Jesus Christ Superstar), Abu Kebe (TINA), Rob Mallet (Elvis), and Jack Lark (Working), this riotous musical comedy will be staged as a travelling performance across two venues.

 

 

Additionally, joining the remarkable festival line up is Jarrod Draper who is about to star as Raoul in Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour. Jarrod will perform in Broadway Showstoppers with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, lead the Diversity and Inclusion panel and appear at The Diva Den.

Together, Well Behaved Women and The Frogs will anchor a sparkling five-day festival, featuring more than 40 events.

 

 

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Jane Howlett:

The festival will place two outstanding major works centre stage. These productions highlight the ambition and calibre of this year’s program.

Launceston’s Australian Musical Theatre Festival celebrates everything that’s great about musical theatre, attracting visitors from across the state and country. It reinforces Launceston’s reputation as a thriving cultural hub, showcasing some of Australia’s most celebrated performers alongside our extraordinary homegrown talent.

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