James MacAlpine had a breakthrough when he joined the cast of An American in Paris. Now his new roles bring him closer than ever to the big time. Photo: An American in Paris – Sydney 2022.
A Wollongong lad who once dressed as a mouse in a community Christmas play is about to perform on one of Australia’s most spectacular stages.
James MacAlpine, 26, who grew up in Wombarra and honed his craft through the Illawarra’s performing arts scene, has been cast in the ensemble for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s 2026 production of The Phantom of the Opera, running from March 27 to May 3.
For MacAlpine, the moment is still sinking in.
“It feels crazy to think I am now part of the ensemble cast in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera staged on Sydney Harbour,” he said. “To be in such a large-scale production, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the background, feels surreal.”
Like many performers, MacAlpine’s journey started early and close to home. His first taste of theatre came at about eight years old, when his grandmother, who was involved in community theatre, encouraged him and his younger sister to join a local production of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas.
“I can’t really remember for sure the role, I think both my sister and I were mice. But I remember the fun — laughing with my grandma and the cast and watching tap dancing reindeer,” he said.
That early spark grew into a serious pursuit when he attended Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts, studying drama and musical theatre. During those years he also performed in the Southern Stars Arena Spectacular multiple times, including as a feature vocalist in his final year in 2016.
But like many arts graduates, leaving school brought uncertainty.
“I was faced with the big question facing every high school graduate in love with the arts — would I make it in the real world?”
He was offered a spot in international studies at university, but opted instead for a one-year diploma in music theatre at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), before going on to study a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Musical Theatre at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
Professional work followed, but not without pressure.
“There’s always that anxiety when you’re studying in the arts of, ‘am I ever going to actually make it?’,” he said.
“Very few big shows come to Australia, and to say it’s highly competitive is an understatement.”
While still studying, MacAlpine secured a role in the 2022 Australian tour of An American in Paris at Theatre Royal Sydney – a breakthrough moment that helped cement his belief he could build a sustainable career.
After graduating, he adopted a simple philosophy: say yes to everything.
He performed in productions including Titanic The Musical, Bells Are Ringing and Elvis: A Musical Revolution, the latter a large-scale Australian commercial production that demanded intense dance work and physical endurance.
“That taught me how to maintain a year in an intense dance show,” he said.
A year-long run in Beauty and the Beast, touring Australia and Singapore, followed, further building his professional resume and confidence.
Now, the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production marks another milestone and one that carries special meaning given its scale and reputation.
The annual harbour shows are among the biggest events on the Australian theatre calendar, drawing thousands of audience members against the iconic backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
Rehearsals begin on Monday 23 February and MacAlpine suspects the reality of the moment will hit then.
Until then, he hopes his story is a reminder that big careers can start in small places — sometimes in mouse costumes, under church hall lights, with family cheering from the front row.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – The Phantom of the Opera, runs from Friday 27 March to Sunday 3 May.
