The Holiday and Travel Magazine: LES MISÉRABLES

Sunday 24 May 2015

LES MISÉRABLES - not to be missed!

Last night I took my family and extended family to see Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Boublil & Schönberg's legendary musical, LES MISÉRABLES. This is the second time I have seen this new Sydney production. I saw it last month and liked it so much that I wanted to see it again, this time with others from my family.

One of the world’s greatest musicals, this new production of the much-loved blockbuster features glorious modernised staging, orchestrations and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. This new version of LES MISÉRABLES is not to be missed. You might think you know the show - but you’ve never seen it like this!

Cameron Mackintosh has assembled an extremely talented cast for this brand new production of LES MISÉRABLES. Hailed by The Australian as ‘an ensemble of star quality’, the cast has earned heartfelt adoration for their spine tingling and flawless performances. The original Australian production of LES MISÉRABLES saw Cameron Mackintosh launch the careers of some of Australia’s biggest stars, including Marina Prior and Anthony Warlow. For this newest production, he has once again assembled a cast poised to follow the same path.

Jean Valjean

Simon Gleeson’s portrayal of the iconic Jean Valjean is heartrending, joining the greats who have played the role before him. Garnering high critical praise such as ’the heart and soul of this return season is the heaven-sent performance of Simon Gleeson’, he’s already won Theatre People’s Pro Choice Award for ‘Best Actor in a Musical’ as well as receiving a Green Room nomination for his Valjean. Simon came to the role as a highly respected actor and musical theatre star, having worked extensively in theatre, film and television in Australia and the UK, including performing in London’s prestigious West End. Simon has been nominated for two Helpmann Awards for Mamma Mia! and Love Never Dies, a Sydney Theatre Award for Love Never Dies and a Green Room Award for Chess.

Javert

Hayden Tee firmly stakes his claim on Valjean’s lifelong antagonist Javert, with Time Out citing his rendition of “Stars” as ‘a show highlight’ as well as earning him a Theatre People Pro Choice Award for ‘Best Individual Performance’. NIDA-trained Hayden has appeared in many musical theatre and opera productions around the world, including Being Earnest, My Fair Lady and in 2005 he played Marius in the 20th anniversary West End production of LES MISÉRABLES. He has also just been honoured with a Green Room nomination for his portrayal of Javert in this production.

Patrice Tipoki stars as Fantine, with her rendition of the show’s much loved “I Dreamed A Dream” described as ‘one of unwavering emotion’. Known to Australian audiences from lead roles in The Lion King and Wicked, Patrice’s angelic portrayal of Fantine is a role she was born to play.

Madame Thénardier

Lara Mulcahy has proven a triumph as the hilariously grotesque Madame Thénardier. Lara is known for countless stage, TV and film productions, including the Baz Luhrmann films, Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby and her award-winning performance in Mamma Mia! Playing Lara’s villainous other half Monsieur Thénardier is Australian theatre and cabaret favourite, Trevor Ashley. Trevor has appeared in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical, Hairspray: The Musical and Jerry Springer: The Opera as well as having an extensive career co-writing and starring in his own stage productions. Lara and Trevor make an almighty impact as the Thénardiers, with “Master of the House” delivering the thrill audiences have come to expect from this showstopper.