The Phantom of the Opera | Photo: Jeff Busby

The Phantom of the Opera begins its Sydney season at Star City's Lyric Theatre on May 11 with an official opening performance on May 15.

The Phantom of the Opera is the longest-running musical on Broadway, having recently celebrated 21 years since its debut in London's West End, and has won more than 50 major theatre awards, including seven Tony Awards.

Last performed in Sydney 11 years ago, the musical sees the return of Australia's original Phantom, Anthony Warlow, with new talent Ana Marina as Christine.

Lyric Theatre, Star City, from May 11. Booking information: The Phantom of the Opera.

Cate Blanchett turns evil To each of her film roles, Cate Blanchett has brought a diversity and depth of performance that has seen her in various movie heroine roles that were of people somehow flawed in varying degrees but heroines nonetheless... (more) Watts new in new Veil version? Bana goes all royal in sisters story

It's the time of the younger ones Fast + Fresh is back at Riverside Theatre from June 2 with a week of performances of original short plays — each no longer than 10 minutes — all created and presented by high school-age students... (more) Theatre openings this week

Luft garlands her show with song Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland, is returning to Sydney to perform at City Recital Hall on May 31. Her multimedia show, Songs My Mother Taught Me, melds a familiar songbook with intensely personal, often hilarious memories plus private photos and video footage of Judy Garland... (more) From Dee Why down to the Basement The young ones go Riverside

Is Cullen the bad boy of Australian art? Adam Cullen’s larger than life persona has sometimes overshadowed his art; this exhibition brings the focus back to his remarkable paintings and sculptures which brought him to art world attention in the first place. Cullen’s first survey show in an art museum is at the Art Gallery of New South Wales from May 15 to July 27... (more) Church and gallery draw Viola exhibitions Celebrating those who work with their hands From screenprinter to painter Archibalds go on exhibition What to see in Canberra

Walk into History at The Rocks Sydney's historical precinct, The Rocks, is where Capt Arthur Phillip and the men of the First Fleet established the first European settlement in Australia in 1788. Close to Circular Quay, it lends itself easily to interesting walking tours, such as the one from Circular Quay to various other historical sites in the area... (more)

 AMONG this week's Sydney theatre openings:

All the Blood and All the Water by Suzie Miller at Riverside Theatre, Parramatta, May 8-May 17. Booking information: All the Blood and All the Water.

Chess the Musical, music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, lyrics by Tim Rice, at Theatre Royal, Sydney, May 8-17. Booking information: Chess the Musical.

Enchanted April by Matthew Barber at Genesian Theatre, Sydney, May 10-28. Booking information: Enchanted April.

The Girl from the West of the City by Wayne Tunks at Allan Mullins Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith, until May 17. Booking information: The Girl from the West of the City.

The Phantom of the Opera at Lyric Theatre, Star City, Pyrmont Bay, from May 11. Booking information: The Phantom of the Opera.

Two Weddings and a Lawyer by Tony Laumberg at Tap Gallery Theatre, Darlinghurst, May 8-June 1. Booking information: Two Weddings and a Lawyer.

 FOR current and coming Sydney theatre productions, What's On in Sydney Theatre is the place to visit for up-to-date listings and booking information. Also see What's On in Melbourne.

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