Groundhog Day The Musical

Ok campers. Rise and shine! Groundhog Day The Musical is coming to Melbourne’s Princess Theatre for a strictly limited season from January 24, direct from a record-breaking run at London’s Old Vic theatre.

Adapted from the hit 1993 film, Groundhog Day The Musical will see Australian composer Tim Minchin collaborate with the brilliant minds of the film’s original writer Danny Rubin and director Matthew Warchus, promising a night of pure joy and entertainment.

Step into the charming, small town of Punxsutawney in Pennsylvania, where the “cynical” local weatherman finds himself trapped in a time loop during a weather cross, reliving the same day repeatedly.

“It’s about second chances, about looking beneath the surface, navigating the joys and challenges of life and death, and finding the love in both,” Tim Wright said, who plays Ned Ryerson in the production and is also part of the ensemble.

“This show is hilarious; it is laced with the wit and humour and heart that you expect from Tim Minchin and director Matthew Warchus – I hope the audience leave the theatre thinking about the good things they have and what they can do better.”

Taking on the lead role of Phil Connors is the talented Andy Karl, reprising his role for Australian audiences after winning over crowds overseas.

“He’s the real deal, not to mention Elise McCann who audiences already know and love,” Mr Wright said.

The creative team is brilliant, and it has been a real joy to see just how invested everyone is, in telling the best version of this story – I feel very fortunate to be involved.

Having just played Bill Austin in Mamma Mia! The Musical at the Princess Theatre, Mr Wright is “thrilled” to be returning to the same stage.

“I hope and I believe Australian audiences will embrace this show,” he said.

“I want them to leave with a smile on their face and buzzing from the brilliant time they’ve just shared with a theatre full of other people.”

The star-studded cast not only features renowned musical theatre performers, but also introduces rising stars such as Jacob Steen, the youngest member of the ensemble at just 20 years old.

“The rehearsal process for this show has been intense, the nature and complexity of it in terms of having repeating days and maintaining continuity requires refined attention to detail,” Mr Steen told CBD News.

While having been a part of other Melbourne productions including Mary Poppins and Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Mr Steen said that rehearsals so far had allowed him more “freedom in moments”, which was something he had yet to experience in his career.

“There’s often not a lot of lenience in choreography or direction, but in this production, there is an air of freedom that I think helps to facilitate the story.”

Groundhog Day The Musical will play at the Princess Theatre until April 7. •