She’s the misfit from Porpoise Spit who inspired the memorable Aussie movie line: “You’re terrible, Muriel!”
Fans of the marriage-obsessed Muriel Heslop will be thrilled to know she’s coming to the stage – as QPAC’s Lyric Theatre presents Muriel’s Wedding the Musical.
This big, brash, award-winning musical features an incredible score – including new songs by Kate Miller-Heidke and husband Keir Nuttall – and (of course) all your favourite ABBA hits.
Taking the lead role of Muriel is relative newcomer Natalie Abbott. So, is she anything like her socially awkward character?
“We have a lot in common,” admits Nat.
“First time I saw it, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this is a character that’s like me and I’ve never seen a character that is like that before – that is so like me!’ And you just want her to succeed. You just want her to catch her break and to have a go at everything she wants. I think that’s what’s so amazing about her.
“Muriel is a special character because everyone can relate to her.”
Muriel’s outspoken best friend, Rhonda, is played by Stefanie Jones.
“(Rhonda) was bullied through high school, just like Muriel,” says Stefanie.
“They find each other and it’s just like true love. It’s women empowering women and it’s so nice to see a story up on stage that isn’t about a female trying to find her Prince Charming. It’s actually about the relationship between the two of them.”
Steph says the show’s message is about embracing differences, owning them and being proud of them.
“And that’s why we’re so proud to be telling this story, because it’s very refreshing. We’re really thrilled to be introducing it to a new generation, as well.”
As a Queenslander who grew up in Bridgeman Downs, Steph is also thrilled to be returning to her home state.
“We know how much the Queenslanders are going to love it. It’s 100 per cent our sense of humour. I think we’re also good at laughing at ourselves and the Aussie humour in the show is going to be right up their alley.”
Muriel’s Wedding the Musical opens at Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s Lyric Theatre from 19th September 2019, with the official opening night on the 21st.
Tickets are now on sale at www.qpac.com.au or call 136 246.
The Great Day Out fans can enter to win an A-Reserve double pass to see Muriel’s Wedding the Musical at QPAC on Wednesday 2nd October at 7:30 p.m. Just head to our Facebook page to enter! (Competition closes 11th September 2019 at 5 p.m. AEST).
