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The curtain went up on the Aussie version of Les Misérables Nov. 27 in front of an expectant V.I.P. audience of 1,000 at the Theater Royal.
When it came down again three hours later, an extended standing ovation and rapturous applase from the emotional, even tearful, crowd, capped what may have been the best opening night Sydney theater has ever witnessed.
Unlike the opening night of Cats at the same theater in July 1985, there were no bomb scares or hitches of any kind to interrupt proceedings.
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Vocally, it is a strong and passionate cast. Philip Quast's Javert, Simon Burke's Marius and Anthony Warlow's Enjolras deliver blood-stirring solos, while from the female side, Marina Prior's Cosette, Jodie Gillies' Eponine and, particularly, Debbie Byrne's Fantine, are nothing short of perfection. They give haunting, delicote and powerfui portrayals.