Get ready to rock 'n' roll and laugh out loud as the Queensland Conservatorium brings Cry-Baby the Musical to Brisbane theatregoers.
Based on the 1990 film, Cry-Baby is set in 1954 Baltimore and follows the love story of Wade 'Cry-Baby' Walker and Allison Vernon-Williams.
Allison is the rich girl who has just come from finishing school before leaving her squeaky-clean boyfriend Baldwin for orphaned bad-boy Cry-Baby, who leads a pack of rebel outcasts.
Jilted Baldwin in turn leads his close-harmony pals against the star-crossed lovers and their crew of 'drapes', who are ultimately arrested for arson and sent to prison.
It may all sound a bit dramatic, but it's actually a wacky and hilarious comedy set to leave entire audiences in stitches.
Mackinley Brown plays lead character Cry-Baby and is looking forward to showcasing what's sure to become a new favourite for local audiences.
"It's really exciting to be bringing a show that isn't done very often to Brisbane," he said.
"It's so common to see big box office musicals come back again and again, so we're proud to bring a completely different story based on the movie by John Waters, that we've been able to make our own.
"The costumes and set design are out of this world and the choreography is just incredible."
Aimee Jones stars alongside Mr Brown as protagonist Allison and said the whole cast feels honoured to be involved in the production.
"When the show was announced to us, most of us had never heard of Cry-Baby," she said.
"Confusion very quickly turned to elation though as we understood why we were doing this show and we knew we were going to have so much fun producing it, and we have had the absolute best time!
"Thanks to our amazing director Alister Smith, choreographer Dan Venz and the whole production team, it feels like this production was made just for us.
"The industry professionals we've been lucky enough to work with are just the most kind and generous humans you could imagine, and it's been a privilege to work with such an incredible cast and crew."
The cast consists of first to third year students from the Bachelor of Musical Theatre program, with third years taking the lead roles.
Head of Performing Arts and Program Director Professor Paul Sabey said this allows inspiration to flow across the cohort.
"The second-year students look at the third years and think 'that's going to be us next year' and it really elevates their work," he said.
"First years also get that sense of admiration of 'oh my goodness, this is amazing, and we've got an exciting journey ahead' but it also allows them to be on the ground and in the middle of a production."
When asked why he chose this particular play for the cohort, Professor Sabey said he felt it's what was needed.
"We needed something packed with energy and great song and dance numbers," he said.
"Something that continues to challenge the students in their development, and allows the audience to forget about everyday stresses, relax and have a laugh.
"This cohort is incredibly talented and brings an electrifying energy to the stage.
"Come along with some friends, make a night of it, support our upcoming stars, and have a good time.
"We're sure you'll have a wonderful night!"
Cry-Baby the Musical is showing from 3-12 August at the Conservatorium Theatre – 140 Grey St, South Brisbane. Get your tickets here.
