STELLA: A New Australian Musical Review | Australian Premiere

Last night I attended the World Premiere season of STELLA: A New Australian Musical, a new production that brings to life the remarkable story of Australian literary icon Stella Maria Sarah Miles Franklin.

Like many Australians, my understanding of Miles Franklin largely came from her iconic novel My Brilliant Career. However, STELLA: A New Australian Musical takes audiences far beyond the pages of that famous book, offering a fascinating and deeply personal insight into the woman behind the literary legend. It is a story of sacrifice, ambition, belonging, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a creative life.

From the opening scenes, I found Stella’s story both interesting and inspiring, revealing a far more complex life than I had expected. The musical balances heartfelt emotion with humour, moving between moments of sadness, triumph and laughter, while showing the determination it took for a woman to forge her own path in a society that expected otherwise.

Written by Monique diMattina, STELLA: A New Australian Musical spans more than sixty years of Franklin’s remarkable life. Beginning at Brindabella Station and the success of My Brilliant Career, the production follows Stella’s journey through Sydney, Chicago, London and beyond. Along the way, audiences witness her involvement in women’s suffrage, labour reform movements, wartime nursing, and her ongoing struggle to balance activism with her true calling as a writer.

One of the most compelling aspects of the production is its exploration of Franklin’s personal choices. She famously rejected marriage, believing it would limit her intellectual freedom and independence. The musical examines both the empowerment and loneliness that came with that decision, as well as the irony that Franklin is best remembered for My Brilliant Career, the novel she spent much of her life trying to distance herself from.

The set design by Nick Fry is simple yet incredibly effective. A moving doorway becomes a powerful visual metaphor for Stella’s journey through life, transforming smoothly into the Australian bush, Sydney, Chicago and London.

The costume design by Isla Shaw is equally clever. With actors remaining on stage for much of the production and switching rapidly between characters, the costumes rely on simple yet iconic pieces such as hats, jackets and hairstyles. This approach not only allows for natural transitions but also reflects the scarcity and practicality of the era.

The lighting design by Sidney Younger deserves special praise. Through expressive colours and atmospheric effects, it beautifully captures the contrast between the harsh realities of rural life and the expansive imagination that fuelled Stella’s creative spirit.

In STELLA: A New Australian Musical, just five performers portray 45 characters throughout the show.

Geraldine Hakewill is strong as Stella Miles Franklin, capturing both her determination and vulnerability.

Shubshri Kandiah is excellent as Linda and moves smoothly between several other roles, including Vida Goldstein. She brings clarity and presence to each character.

Johanna Allen performs across a range of roles, including Mother and Mary Gilmore. She delivers warmth, humour and depth, supported by a strong vocal performance.

Joe Kosky shows real versatility as Pa and multiple other characters. His vocals are powerful, and his performances are consistently engaging.

Kaya Byrne is very good in his various roles, including Norman and Edwin, with strong comedic timing that provides some of the show’s lighter moments.

One of my favourite aspects of the musical was its ending. Rather than simply concluding with Franklin’s death, the production celebrates the enduring impact of her legacy through two of Australia’s most important literary awards.

The Miles Franklin Literary Award, established through Franklin’s will, continues to support and celebrate Australian literature. The production also acknowledges the Stella Prize, created in 2013 to champion and recognise Australian women writers.

It is a moving conclusion that reminds audiences that Stella Miles Franklin’s influence extends far beyond her own lifetime and continues to shape Australian literature today.

STELLA: A New Australian Musical is a compelling and ambitious Australian musical that shines a spotlight on one of Australia’s most remarkable women. With just seven performances in this season, it is a limited opportunity to see this new work on stage.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DATE: 12 – 20 June 2026
VENUE: Alexander Theatre, The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts, Monash University Clayton Campus
PRICE: $40 – $85
BOOK TICKETS

This season is also featured on the VCE Theatre Studies curriculum, making it essential viewing for students, educators, theatre lovers and anyone interested in Australian history, literature and the arts.

STELLA: A New Australian Musical Review | Australian Premiere

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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