Waltzing the Wilarra is an Australian musical play written and composed by David Milroy, set in a mixed-race dance club in post-World War II Perth.
Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company premiered the work, which performed from 3 February to 6 March 2011 at the Subiaco Arts Centre as part of the Perth International Arts Festival.
Waltzing the Wilarra was very well received. The West Australian called it "a terrific production" with "a powerful, charismatic cast" and that "the music throughout is instantly memorable". PerthNow called it "a landmark production".
The production received three 2011 WA Equity Guild Awards from nine nominations, including Best New Play and Best Design for its composition/music. It was also nominated for three national Helpmann Awards in 2011 including Best Original Score.
A national tour production was produced in 2025, beginning at Frankston Arts Centre in Melbourne, Victoria on 3 July, and closing at Araluen Arts Centre in Alice Springs, Northern Territory on 22 October. The production was directed by Brittanie Shipway.
Characters and cast Character Perth National tour Old Toss/Sandy Barr/DetectiveErnie DingoLeonard MickeloMr. MackKelton PellJalen SutcliffeCharlie RunawayTrevor JamiesonShaka CookMrs. CrayIrma WoodsLisa MazaElsaUrsula YovichLorinda May MerryporJackTim SollyClancy EnchelmaierFay GriverAlexandra JonesJuliette CoatesAthena/Young Harry/Levinia TempletonJessica ClarkeHannah Underwood
Musical numbers
"Waltzing the Wilarra" "Little Birdy" – Mr. Mack "I've Got Eyes" – Elsa and Charlie "Desert Rats" – Jack
References