The acclaimed musical production of Calamity Jane, starring Virginia Gay, is set to return to the Sydney Opera House for a limited season from October 14 to November 16, 2025, in the Studio. This production, which garnered critical attention during its previous runs, offers audiences another opportunity to experience this lively take on the classic story.
Virginia Gay reprises her Sydney Theatre Award-winning role as Calamity Jane. Her performance has been noted by critics, described as "captivating" (Broadway World), "sensational" (Sunday Telegraph), and "astonishing" (Daily Review). The real-life figure of Calamity Jane, known for defying the conventions of her time, is a central focus of the production.
The musical, adapted from the Doris Day film, transports the audience to the setting of the Golden Garter Saloon. Directed by Richard Carroll, the production is known for its energetic and intimate staging, which has contributed to its popularity in Sydney, Melbourne, and on tour.
Virginia Gay shared her anticipation for the return season: "Performing as Calamity Jane has been one of my all-time favourite experiences on stage – the mischief and irreverence that we bring to the Wild West and the tenderness under all those buckskins make it a real treat for audiences too. I know my heart is ready to don Calamity’s leather chaps one more time at the Sydney Opera House: Calamity Jane."
Ebony Bott, Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Performance, commented on the show's appeal. "Calamity Jane is one of those unforgettable shows that envelops audiences, making sure everyone walks away uplifted and thoroughly entertained," she noted. "It’s a laugh-out-loud musical that delivers fun in its purest form, with Calamity brought to life by one of Australia’s most genuine talents. It’ll be a riot."
The musical features lyrics by Paul Francis Webster and music by Sammy Fain, adapted by Ronald Hanmer and Phil Park from the stage play by Charles K. Freeman.
Reviewers have highlighted the show's humour and warmth, with The Australian describing it as "gut-bustingly funny" with an "extraordinarily generous heart." The Sunday Telegraph found it "a rollicking good time."
The creative team includes Musical Director Nigel Ubrihien, Choreographer Cameron Mitchell, Designer Lauren Peters, and Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest. The production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Australasia) Pty Ltd and produced by One Eyed Man Productions in association with Neglected Musicals and Hayes Theatre Co.
Season Details:
- What: Calamity Jane
- When: 14 October – 16 November 2025
- Where: Studio, Sydney Opera House
- Prices: From $89 + booking fee.
- Pre-Sales: Insiders - 9 am, Tuesday 13 May; What's On - 9 am, Wednesday 14 May
- General Public On Sale: 9 am, Friday 16 May
Calamity Jane's return offers Sydney audiences another chance to see this celebrated production.