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SYDNEY | Melbourne
| Auckland | Perth
| Brisbane
SYDNEY
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Venue:
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Theatre Royal |
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First Preview:
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18 November 1997 |
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Opened:
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29 November 1997 |
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Closed:
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13 June 1998 |
The original Australian production of Les Miserables
opened on Saturday 27th November, 1987 at Sydney's Theatre
Royal. Exactly 10 years (to the day) later, on Saturday 29th
November, 1997, the 10th Anniversary Production opened at
the same theatre. The cast was relatively unknown to the general
public. The principle cast consisted of Rachael Beck, David
Campbell, Scott Irwin, Theresa Borg, Natalie Jackson Mendoza,
Donna Lee and William Zappa. The talented ensemble consisted
of performers from both Australia and New Zealand, many of
whom had previous experiences with Les Miserables either through
the Asian/South African tour or 1996 or through amateur productions.
The two leads were brought in from overseas. Valjean was
performed by Dave Willetts, a member of the original London
cast ensemble who understudied and later took over the role
of Valjean. Michael McCarthy, from Ireland, reprised his role
of Javert after appearing in the London and UK touring productions.
In April 1998, on Good Friday, the company joined forces
with members of the Boy From Oz company to perform in a highly
entertaining charity concert to raise money for Oz Showbiz
Cares/Equity Fight AIDS.
Towards the end of the season it wa announced that Dave and
Michael would be returning to the UK and David Campbell was
returning to New York to pursue his cabaret career. Their
replacements were to be Timothy Shew, Roger Lemke and David
Dixon respectively.
In the last two weeks of the season David Campbell took leave
of the company for 10 days to take part in the Hey Mr Producer
concert in London, honouring the career of Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
In his absence the role of Marius was performed by Kane McErvale
(evenings) and Brendan Hanson (matinees) between the 1st and
9th June. David returned in time to perform in the final three
performances.
The three performances on the 10th (matinee and evening)
and the 11th of June saw David Dixon in the role of Marius,
along with Timothy Shew as Valjean and Roger Lemke as Javert,
in a 'preview' to the Melbourne season.
With great sadness the Sydney season closed after a 7 month
season on the 13th June, 1998.
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