WORLD PREMIERE OF DOCTOR ZHIVAGO IN SYDNEY

The NSW Minister for Tourism, Jodi McKay, announced today that in 2011, Sydney will host the World Premiere of a new musical, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO starring Anthony Warlow. One of the most breathtaking love stories ever told, this exciting new production will be directed by Broadway’s Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys, Tommy), with music composed by Lucy Simon (The Secret Garden), lyrics by Michael Korie and Amy Powers and book by Michael Weller. Produced by John Frost, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO will play an exclusive eight week engagement at the Lyric Theatre, Star City from February 11, 2011.
Based on the famous novel by Boris Pasternak, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO hit the big screen in 1965 as an epic, drama romance by David Lean and created a star of Omar Sharif in the title role. The film remained popular for decades, and as of 2010 was the eighth highest grossing film of all time. Now this grand romance comes to the stage as a powerful and moving musical.
“We are thrilled to be chosen by Australia’s leading theatre producer John Frost as the location for this exclusive eight week run. And to have Anthony Warlow as one of the cast is a star attraction and a major events coup. High quality musical product such as this is sure to attract many visitors to Sydney and encourage plenty of locals to enjoy a night out in the city,” Ms McKay said.
“I’m honoured to bring this timeless story to the stage, and especially thrilled that the World Premiere will be held in Sydney, with the assistance of Events NSW and Tourism NSW. It is wonderful to be working again with composer Lucy Simon – our production of her musical The Secret Garden is still much remembered – and for the first time with legendary Broadway director Des McAnuff. And it’s also thrilling to work again with Anthony Warlow, one of the preeminent musical theatre performers in the world,” John Frost said.
In the early 90’s composer Lucy Simon was in Australia attending rehearsals for The Secret Garden. As she watched Anthony Warlow engagingly portray the tortured Archie, she said to John Frost, “There is my Zhivago.”
“Anthony commands a stage, a rare leading man – he gets behind the character and with that unique voice enriches the story being told. I knew in my heart that here was the man to tell this love story,” Lucy Simon said.
The time has come. DOCTOR ZHIVAGO is a new musical, large in scale, with a sweeping story. With a lavish new score, costumes and sets and a promise to tell a powerful story, Sydney is going to be the first in the world to see the new DOCTOR ZHIVAGO.
www.drzhivago.com.au