A dazzling theatre spectacle in Puttin’ On The Ritz is headed to town to send Bunbury audiences back to the Golden Age of Hollywood when melody, rhythm and dance was king.
Produced by critically acclaimed UK theatre star David King, the all-singing, all-dancing show celebrates some of the most iconic music of all time with plenty of glitter and sparkles.
Award-winning singers and dancers will recreate the most famous songs of the Golden Era on stage, including the hits Cheek to Cheek, Alexander’s Rag Time Band, Birth of the Blues, Swanee, Night and Day, I Got Rhythm, Easter Parade and of course, Puttin’ On The Ritz.
Joined by special guest and Australia’s own golden boy Rob Mills, the renowned cast of West End performers from the United Kingdom are touring the country for the first time and will dazzle Bunbury in September.
In his chat with The Mail, Rob Mills couldn’t contain his excitement for his starring role in the upcoming production, following an already long and successful career in Australian theatre.
“It looks very cool, some of the dance numbers are just out of this world. I’m glad I don’t have to feature in many of them, only one which is good,” he laughed.
“It is old school music, a song and dance extravaganza, and I’m excited that people in Australia will get to experience and enjoy the spectacle. It’s not a musical where you have to follow the story really, it’s just dance number after dance number and two hours of non-stop entertainment.
“Audiences will be whisked away to another era, and we all need that escapism. There’s only so much escapism you can do with Netflix but going to see a live production and live band, it’s something really special.”
After first coming to the country’s attention on Australian Idol in 2003, Mills has since appeared in many Aussie musical productions including prime roles in Legally Blonde, Wicked, Grease, Hairspray and Ghost the Musical.
The star said it felt like a natural progression to get into musical theatre after his rise to fame on Idol because of his childhood love for performing.
“It’s one of the best forms of storytelling. A really good show will give the emotion of the musical through song – it is the music that empowers you. For me, it’s the music that really fills your soul,” Mills said.
“I grew up loving Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Broomsticks and all those Disney classics, you know you put music on and watch kids just dance around and really it’s music that connects us all.
“I love the industry, it’s a real tight knit family. Everyone goes to watch everyone else’s shows and supports each other and it’s really beautiful community and I hope I’m a part of it for a long time to come.”
Mills said preparation for the production is well under way for the Australian national tour starting in August.
“They are a touring company so they’ve done it all already, they are a very well-oiled machine and I will hopefully just slot in seamlessly when I start rehearsals in just a few months time,” he said.
“I got the songs sent through this week so I’ll start learning them and going through all those songs with my singing teacher in the next few months.
“I’ve never been to Bunbury before but am definitely looking forward to it, it’s going to be a great time.”
Puttin’ On The Ritz will perform at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre on September 13. For more information, or to book tickets, go to bunburyentertainment.com.au.