Dance Academy's Thomas Lacey Joins Baz Luhrmann’s Stage Version of Strictly Ballroom in Australia

Dance Academy star Thomas Lacey is the first actor/hoofer on board for Baz Luhrmann’s previously announced stage version of his 1992 film Strictly Ballroom. Lacey will star as Scott Hastings (played by Paul Mercurio in the film) in the long-in-the-works stage adaptation, which will begin its run at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney, Australia on March 25, 2014. Additional casting will be announced soon.

Set in the world of competitive ballroom dancing, Strictly Ballroom The Musical tells the story of a lifelong ballroom dancer who struggles to find his own style of dancing as he competes to win an international prize, despite his flashy, crowdpleasing moves not being strictly ballroom. The "all-singing, all-dancing" production will include music from the film’s soundtrack, as well as new songs. The film’s creative team will reunite for the musical adaptation, with director Lurmann on writing duty with Craig Pearce, John “Cha Cha” O’Connell choreographing and Catherine Martin designing costumes.

Lacey is known for his role as Ben Tickle (what an adorable last name!) in the Australian teen drama Dance Academy. His other TV credits include Winners & Losers and Blue Heelers. The well-trained dancer's stage credits include Singing in the Rain, Oliver!, The Wizard of Oz, Music Man, Bye Bye Birdie and Oklahoma!.