The Front Row

In this episode of The Front Row, host Scott Henderson speaks with set designer Jeremy Allen about creating the stage world for Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical, opening at Sydney's Roslyn Packer Theatre. Allen discusses drawing inspiration from 1980s Australian culture, local venue architecture like the Enmore Theatre and RSLs, and working with director Mitchell Butel to distill 30 to 40 real-life locations into a dynamic visual space.He also touches on how his background in architecture shapes his approach to theatrical space, balancing minimalist and maximalist designs across past projects like The Normal Heart and Dear Evan Hansen, and using clever staging misdirection to deliver a grand stadium transformation for the climax of "You're the Voice"

In this episode of The Front Row, host sits down with Australian actors Justin Smith and Logie winner Joel Jackson to discuss starring as Daryl and Wayne Kerrigan in the stage adaptation of the iconic film The Castle at Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre. The pair reflect on working alongside original Working Dog creators Rob Sitch, Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, and Jane Kennedy during workshops, modernising minor details like swapping the Trading Post for Facebook Marketplace, and incorporating live music performed by Jackson.They also talk through their broader stage and screen careers, the physical discipline of an eight-show-a-week run, and the enduring nostalgia of the film's most famous quotes.Ticket Information: The hosts and guests urge audiences across Australia to book early at thecastleonstage.com.au, as tickets are selling fast for the extended Melbourne season.

In this episode of The Front Row, host Scott Henderson sits down with performers Bonnie Anderson and Ben Hall to discuss their roles in Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical. The two reflect on reunited chemistry from their Neighbours days, the creative pressure of portraying real-life icons Gaynor and Glenn Wheatley, and what it takes to bring the story behind Australia’s most legendary album to the stage. 

For our final episode of Season 2 of The Front Row, Josh Piterman chats with Ilario Grant about his starring role in MJ The Musical, now playing at Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne. They talk through finding energy in the company of MJ The Musical, learning to value yourself, and Ilario's journey to finding his own path on the stage. This is an episode not to miss. 

This week on our podcast, The Front Row, Josh Piterman chats with Noah Missell and Callum Ryan from the cast of Beetlejuice The Musical. As Ensemble and Swing members of the show, Noah and Callum share backstage stories of team bonding, words of advice, and always being ready for the call. 

This week on our podcast, The Front Row, Josh Piterman chats with Taylor Scanlan and Fiorella Bamba from Beetlejuice The Musical on learning to trust yourself, embracing imperfection, and how swings keep a show running. 

This week on our podcast, The Front Row, Josh Piterman chats with Swing Performer and Children's Dance Captain for MJ The Musical, Sebaga Neumann on the adaptability and skill it takes to be a swing in a musical. 

This week on The Front Row, the ghost with the most and star of Beetlejuice The Musical Eddie Perfect sits down with Josh Piterman to chat through his journey creating the Tony Award-nominated score for Beetlejuice The Musical on Broadway, and how Melbourne has now embraced the production.The Regent Theatre is the only place in the world you’ll be able to catch Eddie Perfect’s must-see performance on stage. Do not miss it!https://beetlejuicethemusical.com.au/tickets/ 

This week on The Front Row host Josh Piterman chats with Roman Banks on all things MJ The Musical. Currently playing the role of MJ, Roman shares stories with Josh about working on his dance skills under renowned choreographers Rich+Tone, performing the show in different countries, and what it has been like to lead the incredible cast of MJ The Musical in Sydney. 

This week on The Front Row host Josh Piterman chats with award-winning costume associate Jude Loxley on Jude's twenty-year journey, from her career beginnings in regional Australia to working alongside Broadway designers and managing the costume department.