The arrival of a new Australian musical is always an event to be celebrated, even more so when the musical is as unique and joyful as Vidya Makan revuesical The Lucky Country.

First presented at Sydney’s Hayes Theatre in 2023, The Lucky Country makes its very welcome Melbourne premiere before making its way to Brisbane. 

Co-created by Sonya Suares, The Lucky Country is a brisk song cycle with music and lyrics by Makan, who also performs in the ensemble cast of six players. A relative of Jason Robert Brown classic Songs For A New World, this book-free new musical has a brighter tone to match the local setting and character but shares the sharp, affecting storytelling drive that brings each song to vivid life. 

Championing as broad a range of diversity that can fit in its 65-minute running time, The Lucky Country is bookended by a Boy who bristles at the narrow white colonial history he is forced to learn at school. After a dozen or so numbers, Boy returns and tears up his assignment, proclaiming “I’m Not Doing It” as he insists on interrogating a more relevant past. 

Makan and Suares have similarly torn up the rule book, so to speak, giving a distinct and entertaining voice to indigenous and immigrant cultures. From a young man unwillingly running his family Chinese restaurant to a “brown” woman taking a role in a local Hollywood blockbuster and faking the Hindi dialogue, the songs and characters subvert expectations in amusing and original scenarios. 

Orchestrated by music director Heidi Maguire, Makan’s tuneful score is instantly accessible, paying homage to a wide a range of popular Australian styles, from The Seekers to Jimmy Barnes. Maguire conducts a tight band of four musicians who bring the music to toe-tapping life. The production respectively gives the musicians a headshot and bio in the program: Billy McPherson, Ann Metry, Kathryn Stammers, and Lee Mallinson. In the uplifting finale, McPherson joins the cast on stage, filling the space with his vibrant and expressive playing of the yidaki. 

Suares’ direction capitalises on the relatively intimate performance space, quickly and successfully forging bonds between performers and audience. In the absence of a traditional backstory or set-up for the songs, each of the performers is clearly immersed in their characters, facilitating swift engagement and clear understanding from the audience. Suares cultivate a strong sense of ensemble, with the gracious and talented performers switching back and forth from lead to back up throughout the show. 

Choreography by Amy Zhang is bright and breezy to match the sunny Australian setting. While the moves are relatively simple, the performers elevate the choreography with well rehearsed synchronisation and a clear sense that they are enjoying the performance. Zhang’s witty moves are on full display in comic company number “Dusty Esky,” about a “real” Russian boy band that went viral in the pandemic. 

Emily Collett’s costumes also convey the sunny vibe, with simple block colours in coastal tones. Costume changes for specific numbers add visual humour and ramp up the recognition factor.

The visual pleasure is completed by the animated video design of Justin Harrison, which transitions smoothly to set up each new scene while the cast members make some lightning fast costume changes. 

Each of the performers optimises their chance to shine in The Lucky Country. 

Garret Lyon gamely opens the show in high energy solo “It’s A New Day,” instantly engaging the audience and setting a high standard for the performances to come. Jeffrey Liu sells “Makin’ My Way to Byron Bay” with a cheeky spark in his eye. Karlis Zaid follows up comic work with the very moving lament “Times Are As Hard As Ever.”

Makan amuses with “Hugh Jackman” but is seen at her best in “Kylie Jones,” a tale with a sad twist about a girl who loved Kylie Minogue. Phoenix Jackson Mendoza brings delightful energy to “Growing A Garden.” Exuding palpable warmth in all her numbers, Naarah particularly shines in the rousing “Finale,” leading the audience in a jubilant chant of unity. 

The high standard of The Lucky Country indicates that the future of local musical theatre is in very capable hands. 

The Lucky Country plays at The Lawler, Southbank Theatre Melbourne until 18 October 2025. For tickets, click here.

The Lucky Country plays at Underground Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse 22-26 October 2025. For tickets, click here.

The Lucky Country original cast recording is available on Apple Music and other streaming platforms. 

Photos: Jodie Hutchinson