Baz's 'Strictly' to debut in Sydney

SYDNEY, May 23 (UPI) -- The stage musical version of Baz Luhrmann's dance film "Strictly Ballroom" will have its world premiere and first run in Sydney starting in September 2013.

New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell made the announcement Monday.

The show from Australian producers, Global Creatures, will play at the Lyric Theatre and its premiere season will be supported by the Government of New South Wales through Events NSW.

O'Farrell said pursuing major events forms part of his government's strategy to rebuild the NSW economy.

"Last week, we announced Sydney was chosen for the Australian premiere of 'The Addams Family.' I said we'd bring major events back to Sydney -- here's the proof," he added. "This is in addition to the recent and highly successful first run of 'Doctor Zhivago,' as well as 'Legally Blonde' opening in Australia in June 2012."

"Of all of my shows, 'Strictly Ballroom' is the most personal," NSW native Luhrmann said. "From escaping into the world of competitive ballroom dancing as a child, and my mother going on to be a dance teacher, through to the formative moment at the National Institute of Dramatic Art when a group of talented students and I brought together the classical myth of triumph over oppression and placed it in this world of suburban theater, the first production of 'Strictly Ballroom' was born."