'The Voice' 2017 winner Judah Kelly and stage star Asabi Goodman are bringing 'The Big Chill Out' around the country, celebrating the story – and music – of the feature film 'The Big Chill'.
'The Big Chill Out' brings the music of the 1983 film to the stage, inviting audiences to revisit the Motown vibes. The film launched the careers of its cast including Glenn Close, Kevin Kline, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Tom Berenger and Meg Tilly. . . Not to mention soft-launching Kevin Costner who played a corpse in the opening scenes.
This live show is dedicated to sharing the music of the film, and telling the story of the soundtrack. It's a joyous, soul-stirring celebration of the legendary soundtrack where Motown meets '60s rock. . . Starring the likes of Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Smokey Robinson, Spencer Davis Group and more.
Here, Judah Kelly and Asabi Goodman answer questions about 'The Big Chill Out', which is currently touring the country.
What IS ’The Big Chill Out’ and what does it mean to you? And who is it for?
Judah: In short, it's a celebration of Motown music! Even though all of this music came out a long time before I was born, I grew up with this music. To me its memories, I knew when I woke up Saturday morning and heard Motown blasting in the lounge room it was time to clean the house haha. My mother loved this music and because I was surrounded by it, I grew up loving it so to me, this show is for everyone that just wants to enjoy great music.
Asabi: At its core, 'The Big Chill Out' is a celebration of the music of Motown. It's pretty exciting to be able to tell these stories and share this music with a wider audience. It's for anyone who loves music from Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and all the greats from that '60s era.
What do you love most about the film ’The Big Chill’?
J: I actually love how it changed marketing around the world. Way back in the day they would just hire famous people to sing jingles but because of the way this film edited scenes around the music, marketing companies started licensing the famous songs and building the ads around the music instead. This is what saved the Motown label from going broke and because of that we have the opportunity all these years later to share that same music with people!
What attracted you to doing a show like this?
J: It's music I grew up with. As I've gotten older I've moved towards country music in the music I personally release and I really love that, but I also love that I get to relive my childhood with music from greats like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and so many more.
A: I love performing and I couldn't pass up an opportunity to perform the music of my culture. It's like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold, winter's night.
What would you say has challenged you most about being a part of this show?
J: Vocally it's a really challenging genre. I don't think just anyone could sing this music and do it justice. I find myself having to take rest, recovery and hydration more seriously when doing these shows. Don't get me wrong, I do my best to look after my voice at all times but on other gigs, if I'm having a bit of a lazy voice day, thats okay. On 'The Big Chill Out', I cant get away with it.
A: The early mornings.
You’ve already enjoyed a few tour dates of this show. What’s been the highlight of presenting ’The Big Chill Out’ so far?
J: The feedback! A lot of the audience that are coming to our shows have been lucky enough to see the original artists play these songs and a lot of the feedback we're getting is that I'm singing these songs just as good, if not better than the originals. I don't necessarily buy into that BUT if the audience feel that way, then I absolutely love that and hope I can keep that standard every show.
A: I'd say the highlight is seeing the impact it's had on the crowd. For many people, this represents a kind of nostalgia that brings back all the good memories of that time. I just love seeing audience members sing along or get up and dance during the show (which we strongly encourage).
What’s the best part of working with each other so far?
J: I'm not so great at memorising scripts. Asabi has literally toured the world in the musicals 'Hairspray' and 'Chicago', she's incredible at that! So even though I have this weakness it's awesome having her a part of the show to cover me. It's just an added bonus that she sings the way she does. We've got a few duets through the show and it makes my life so much easier singing with someone so talented.
A: I love working with Judah. It's like working with that cousin that you can always get up to no good with. We have a lot of fun and laughs. And he's a great singer, too!
If there was one important message you’d want audiences to walk away from this show with, what would it be?
J: Come and just enjoy yourself. We encourage people to sing, dance or just do what ever you want to enjoy yourselves during the show. So I hope people come along and do exactly that!
A: Life is meant to be lived, so sing and dance your heart out!
The Big Chill Out Australia 2026 Tour Dates
21 May – The Art House (Wyong)
22 May – Evan Theatre (Penrith)
23 May – The B – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre
29 May – Pilbeam Theatre (Rockhampton)
30 May – Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre – MECC
11 June – Memo Music Hall (St Kilda)
12 June – Geelong Performing Arts Centre
3 July – HOTA – Home of the Arts (Gold Coast)
4 July – Redland Performing Arts Centre
31 July – The J (Noosa)
1 August – Kings Theatre – The Events Centre (Caloundra)
2 August – The Triffid (Newstead)
8 August – Twin Towns (Tweed Heads)
28 August – Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre (Maryborough)
29 August – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre (Bundaberg)
4 September – Capital Theatre (Bendigo)
6 September – Brunswick Ballroom
18 September – Redcliffe Entertainment Centre
10 October – Ballina RSL
11 October – Saraton Theatre (Grafton)
24 October – Cairns Performing Arts Centre
