Rolling Thunder Vietnam

The acclaimed rock drama, Rolling Thunder Vietnam, returns to QPAC for 3 shows only on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22, 2023.

Rolling Thunder Vietnam is a unique theatrical experience that combines classic rock songs of the ‘60s and ‘70s, a passionate love story of courage, longing and resilience, and stunning video footage, set amid the tumultuous Vietnam War.

The highly-anticipated 2023 national tour of Rolling Thunder Vietnam features a hand-picked ensemble of emerging young stars and exciting theatrical talents including original cast member Tom Oliver (Velvet, The Marcia Hines Band, Wynnum Fringe director) who will reprise the role of country soldier Johnny - a lively and endearing character he has made his own since the production’s first triumphant tour.

He will be joined by rising young stars Brittanie Shipway (A Letter for Molly, The Sapphires, Big Fish) and Jerrod Smith (Heathers the Musical). Brittanie will play Johnny’s girlfriend Sarah, a loyal and loving country girl who becomes an anti-war protestor, while Jerrod portrays the duty-bound American marine Thomas. 

Christian Charisiou (Cry Baby, The Wedding Singer) will play the conscripted Australian soldier Andy in Rolling Thunder Vietnam. Rounding out the cast are Imogen Moore (Frozen the Musical, The Rocky Horror Show, Muriel’s Wedding) and Sam Richardson (Frozen the Musical, Next to Normal), who will perform pivotal supporting roles.

The stellar cast will be joined by some of Australia’s most renowned rock musicians performing iconic songs by The Rolling Stones, Steppenwolf, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight, Edwin Starr, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. They include Magic Carpet Ride, Black Magic Woman, War, People Get Ready, Killing Me Softly With His Song, Bridge Over Troubled Water and more. 

The original Australian work is inspired by the true stories of numerous Vietnam Veterans and family members, extensive research and actual letter; written by journalist-writer Bryce Hallett, directed by David Berthold, and with brilliant musical arrangements by Chong Lim AM. 

Dr Brendan Nelson, the former Director of the Australian War Memorial, is Patron of the 2023 national tour, which is proudly supporting Soldier On, a not-for-profit organisation that provides integrated and holistic support services to Australia’s Defence personnel, contemporary veterans and their families.

Rolling Thunder Vietnam opens its 14-stop, three-month national tour on the Gold Coast on Saturday, April 15 before playing in Toowoomba, Brisbane, Maryborough, Caloundra and then to the rest of the country. Don't miss it!

Rolling Thunder Vietnam is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com