Baz Luhrmann's films have always had a theatrical air to them, so it's no surprise that Strictly Ballroom makes a spectacular, eye-popping musical, brought to life in all its sequined glory.
Originally a play devised during Luhrmann's days at NIDA in the early `80s, Strictly Ballroom became a hit film in 1992 and has now come full circle, sashaying back onto the stage with much fanfare.
You can almost smell the spray tan from the army of dancers who samba, rumba and bogo pogo across the stage in this heartwarming crowd-pleaser.
Luhrmann's wife, Oscar-winning design guru Catherine Martin, ramps up the outrageous costumes and set-designs of the film, as nearly every performer is adorned in a glitzy, over-the-top, diamante-encrusted masterpiece that's both hilarious and dazzling at the same time.
The walls of the theatre are fashioned with `80s-style advertisements, while the seats are split into different sparkly spandex coloured sections, so the audience can barrack for different teams in the dance competitions.
Not that they need any encouragement. There's already so much love for this Ugly Duckling/David vs Goliath story, the challenge would be trying NOT to get people participating.
At the heart of the show is Scott Hastings and Fran, played by Thomas Lacey and Phoebe Panaretos.
These two together are effortless, capturing the nostalgia of Scott and Fran, while bringing something new to the parts.
Lacey has a lovely strength and voice, but it's Panaretos who really knocks it out of the park.
Her transformation from endearing geek to a fiery young woman is riveting and her duet with Lacey, Beautiful Surprise, is one of the show's heartbreaking, powerful moments.
Luhrmann may be directing a musical, but he still brings a cinematic feel to some scenes, such as when Fran and Scott sing Time After Time atop a rotating dance studio, while his dad Doug (a crowd favourite played by Drew Forsythe) happily prances about alone downstairs.
It's soon followed by the thrilling A Life Lived in Fear, a variation of the Habanera from the opera Carmen, mixed with a stomping paso doble.
A real highlight and a rousing, uplifting finish to the first act, special mention must go to Fernando Mira and Natalie Gamsu, who play Fran's family, for their impressive dancing and vocal prowess.
The music varies from well-known hits (yes, Love is in the Air appears) to newly-penned songs, although a couple from the second act still need some smoothing out.
Through all the song and dance, Luhrmann has kept that true blue Aussie larrikin slang and tongue-in-cheek humour.
It's hard not to laugh at the dazzling, over-the-top grins of Wayne Burns, Ken Railings and Liz Holt (played by Andrew Cook, Rohan Browne and Sophia Katos) as they waltz about in between scheming and calling people wankers.
It's a joy to see the world of Strictly Ballroom come to life once again, with all the heart, fun and flair Luhrmann and Martin have come to be known for.
* Strictly Ballroom the Musical opens at Sydney's Lyric Theatre tonight
