From Regional Victoria to the Main Stage

Ash Murdica’s rise in Australian musical theatre is the kind of story that grabs your attention from the very first note. From a small town in regional Victoria to performing in blockbuster shows like Rent, Six and Dear Evan Hansen, Ash has turned a teenage spark of curiosity into a professional career many dream of but few achieve. Their journey is a mix of raw talent, relentless dedication and the ability to adapt across styles from classical piano to contemporary guitar and now country in the upcoming Dolly Parton musical Here You Come Again.

Ash’s love of music began in high school when a friend suggested starting a band after complimenting Ash on their hair. That light hearted moment set off a passion that grew through years of playing rock covers, learning piano chords by ear and eventually studying at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. The turning point came in 2021 with a role in the orchestra for Wicked, which showed Ash that musical theatre could be more than a pastime.

Since then Ash has navigated the pressure and joy of professional productions, managing nerves with quirky rituals like pep talks, sentimental trinkets on their music stand and journaling before performances. Alongside mentors and supportive peers they have built a career marked by both resilience and achievement.

Ash’s story is not just about individual success but about showing young musicians, especially those from regional backgrounds, that with commitment and courage it is possible to make it to the big stage.

 

🎭 Here You Come Again 🗓️  23 October to 2 November 📍 Comedy Theatre, Melbourne 🎟️  hereyoucomeagain.com.au

 

Here You Come Again is a warm and funny new musical built around the songs and spirit of Dolly Parton. It tells the story of Kevin, a man in his forties who finds himself back in his childhood bedroom after a tough breakup and the isolation of the Covid lockdown. Surrounded by old posters of Dolly on the walls, Kevin feels stuck until Dolly herself magically appears, offering guidance, humour and plenty of songs to help him find a way forward.

The show features many of Dolly’s most loved hits, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You and of course Here You Come Again. Each song moves the story along as Kevin learns to face heartbreak, self doubt and new beginnings with courage and hope. Dolly is both mentor and comic relief, encouraging Kevin to see his struggles in a new light and even inspiring him to chase dreams he had long buried.

More than just a jukebox musical, Here You Come Again is about the way music can carry us through our darkest moments. It celebrates fandom, resilience and the magic of a voice that has inspired millions. Audiences can expect plenty of laughs, touching moments and a joyful reminder that even when life feels uncertain, a good song and a little Dolly wisdom can help you dust yourself off and keep going.

 

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ASH MERDICA began her journey in community theatre before quickly stepping into the professional arena with deputy guitar and keys roles in Mamma Mia! (Louise Withers and Associates, 2023), Rent (LPD Productions, 2024) and Six (Louise Withers and Associates, 2024). Most recently she held the Guitar 2 chair for the Melbourne season of Dear Evan Hansen (Michael Cassel Group, 2024–25). A graduate of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor of Music Performance in Contemporary Guitar, Ash also holds a Grade 8 Pianoforte certificate with distinction, reflecting her versatility across instruments and styles.