A (Very) Musical Christmas will return in 2025 to Melbourne, this time lighting up the stage of MJ The Musical. Announced by producer Michael Cassel, the intimate production will bring together Australia’s brightest musical theatre stars to reimagine beloved Christmas classics in a fresh and captivating way.
The event will once again partner with Beyond Blue, continuing a meaningful collaboration that highlights mental health and wellbeing during the festive season. By combining the joy of performance with the message of hope, the production aims to make Christmas a time of connection and compassion for all.
At the helm is Director and Choreographer Fabian Aloise, returning to his hometown after acclaimed work on Evita (starring Rachel Zegler) and Sunset Boulevard (starring Nicole Scherzinger). Aloise, whose work has earned him Olivier, WhatsOnStage, and Tony Awards recognition, brings his world-class artistry to the national broadcast.
The star-studded line-up includes Casey Donovan, Rob Mills, and Caroline O’Connor, alongside cast members from MJ The Musical and Beetlejuice The Musical. Additional performers confirmed are Angelina Thomson, Elise McCann, Erin Clare, Georgina Hopson, Harry Targett, Ilario Grant, Josslynn Hlenti Afoa, Karis Oka, Marney McQueen, Nick Afoa, Ryan Gonzalez and Sarah Murr, with more names to follow.
Michael Cassel said, “A (Very) Musical Christmas returns this year with an extraordinary line-up of Australian musical theatre talent.”
“Through this collaboration, we hope to bring joy to the stage, and also comfort and support to those who need it most,” he said.
Tickets for the live recording go on sale Monday, 6 October via averymusicalchristmas.com, with a Beyond Blue pre-sale from Friday, 3 October. All proceeds will support Beyond Blue.
The special will be filmed live and stream on ABC iview from late November, airing nationally on ABC TV on Friday, 19 December.
