Highlighting the secret lives of Upper East Siders in a provocative and thrilling love story, ‘Cruel Intentions’ has become nothing short of a cult classic. Now, the antics of Kathryn, Sebastian and Annette are coming to the stage in ‘Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical’.
‘Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical’ first hit the Riverside Theatre stage in 2022, where it experienced an incredibly successful premiere season.
For Kelsey Halge, who stars in Reese Witherspoon’s original role of Annette, this made her professional debut even more special.
“There were certainly big shoes to fill, playing Reese Witherspoon, but Annette was one of Reese Witherspoon’s first leading roles, and is also my first leading role, so I think that comparison is really cool,” she said.
“The 2022 season was amazing. It was incredible to be able to recreate some of the most memorable moments from the film, but also to poke fun at the ‘90s, and raise some thought-provoking questions through a new lens.”
Kelsey noted that what really brought her on board was the killer music featured in the production, with 21 iconic ‘90s hits woven throughout.
During the musical’s last season, this was also a stand-out for audiences, as the sounds of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and No Doubt had everyone up from their seats from start to finish.
“Audiences were dancing and singing in the aisles with us, and I’ve never experienced that in a theatre production, so it was amazing,” she said.
“I think the music is really what brings the audience in, we’ve got a mix of the best ‘90s pop and grunge.”
The 2023 version of the musical, which will kick off in February, comes with some changes from the previous version, as a new company and primarily new cast take on the task of bringing the Hollywood film to life.
“It’s a whole new show, which is really awesome, because intentions are different, and there’s different people on stage,” Kelsey said.
“That’s been really fun to play with and I think it’s really shifted our show, so even if you have seen the 2022 version, you’re still able to come and have an enjoyable night out at the theatre with the 2023 version.”
Though she admits the more serious matter in the show might not be appropriate for your little ones, Kelsey said everyone will find something to love about the show – especially ‘90s babies, who will be treated to the ultimate throwback experience.
“If you’re a ‘90s baby, you are going to absolutely love the music in there, because it is a jukebox musical, but every song that’s written in there is really helping to progress the story,” she said.
‘Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical’ will be on at Riverside Theatres from February 2 to February 12. Tickets start at $75. To book, visit riversideparramatta.com.au.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.