Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical, Les Misérables has celebrated triumphant seasons in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney and opens at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in Brisbane on Tuesday 10 November 2015.
The Australian production boasts the most remarkable cast with the three leads ready to show the world why Cameron Mackintosh cast them in their respective roles as they continue their Les Mis journey at the conclusion of the Australian season.
As previously announced Simon Gleeson, who won a Helpmann Award for his heartrending portrayal as Jean Valjean, will lead the production for seasons in Manila and Singapore from March next year. Simon will star alongside Rachelle Ann Go, direct from the West End production, and Earl Carpenter from Broadway.
Adding to this excitement Hayden Tee will take his incredible portrayal of Javert to New York where he will assume the role from February in the Broadway production. Hayden has firmly staked his claim on Valjean’s lifelong antagonist Javert, earning him a Green Room Award and a Theatre People Pro Choice Award for ‘Best Individual Performance’.
Patrice Tipoki will also be packing her bags and heading to London to star as Fantine in the West End production from February. She will bring her much loved I Dreamed a Dream to the production, which just celebrated its 30th Anniversary, until May when she will then join the production in Singapore.
In Australia, Cameron Mackintosh has launched the careers of some of the country’s biggest stars, including Marina Prior and Anthony Warlow after casting them in Les Misérables. Two years ago, he cast Simon, Hayden and Patrice with the same intent and they are now poised to follow the same path.
“One of the joys of the huge success of the new Les Misérables is the revelation of a new generation of major Australian talents including Simon Gleeson, Hayden Tee and Patrice Tipoki who has brought a unique dignity to her movingly sung Fantine,” said Cameron Mackintosh.
“I’m delighted to announce that after the season in Brisbane, Patrice will be playing the role in London where the show has just celebrated its record breaking 30th birthday while Rachelle Ann Go, who is currently playing Fantine there, will go to Manilla to join many of the Australian company there. It is always a pleasure to share the wealth of Australian talent around the world.”
“Hot on the heels of this news I am delighted to also confirm that Hayden Tee is going to bring his acclaimed performance of Javert to Broadway when he joins the company at The Imperial Theatre in February. Hayden has wowed audiences in Australia and is bound to leave Broadway audiences in awe. This wonderful Australian company has been a joy to work with.” Mr Mackintosh continued.
The Australian cast as a collective have earned heartfelt adoration for their spine tingling and flawless performances. The production scooped the pool at the 2015 Helpmann Awards winning in five categories including Best Musical, Best Male Actor in a Musical, Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design.
“It’s thrilling that just two years ago we introduced the Australian company of Les Misérables and as we prepare to farewell Australian audiences with our final season in Brisbane, the talents of this stellar cast will continue to wow audiences on tour in Manila, Singapore and now, on Broadway and the West End. I couldn’t be prouder,” says Executive Producer Michael Cassel.
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. The magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the classic songs I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing?, One Day More, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Master of the House and many more.
This acclaimed new production will open on Tuesday 10 November at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre – it has been seventeen years since the show last played Brisbane. Don’t miss this once-in-a-generation opportunity to experience the emotional power and spectacle of Les Misérables before it departs. For more information, visit: www.lesmis.com.au for details.
Image: Hayden Tee, Patrice Tipoki, and Simon Gleeson (supplied)