Photo credits: Kurt SneddonDoctor Zhivago, 1 April 2011, Lyric Theatre, Sydney
Australia is so fortunate to have Lucy Simon and her team pick Sydney to premiere her breathtaking musical.
The production was of an international standard- from the casting, to the set and lighting design, costumes, direction, libretto, and, of course, the sweeping musical score. There was little to fault in this show.
What was particularly surprising was how well the musical (based on Boris Pasternak's novel of the same name) documented Russian history through the tumultuous time of World War I, the Bolshevik revolution, the Russian civil war and the people's plight under the Tsar, Lenin and then Stalin.
Anthony Warlow's (Zhivago) voice is heaven, and Lucy Maunder's (Lara) soprano is clear and beautiful. The ensemble did a fantastic job, and scenes with the whole company packed a punch- especially the opening song "Two Worlds" which set a dramatic and yet informed tone.
The production was a visual feast; Teresa Negroponte's costumes during the aristocratic high-time were intricate and elegant, and the bitter Marxist uniforms post-revolution gave insight into the culture and politics of that historic moment.
Michael Scott Mitchell's set design was clever and versatile. From dramatic, lavish pillars of a ballroom transformed into brick walls falling apart during the second act; just like the old saying goes- a picture tells a thousand words.
Lighting design by Damien Cooper added that extra layer of perfection. The Red Army marching forward with only the lights on their guns illuminating the theatre was powerful, as were the misty scenes on the battlefield.
Composer Lucy Simon and lyricist pair Amy Powers and Michael Korie know how to write a good song- or twenty. The show is long but there is not a dud tune from start to it's three-hour-long finish. "Now" is a stand out, as is "It Comes as No Surprise" and "Love Finds You".
The orchestra was another slice of heaven under the musical direction of Kellie Dickerson. With the cast in full voice and the orchestra rising above it still, the sound was so full and flawless it paid testament to why there is nothing quite like live theatre.
Also, full credits to sound designer Michael Waters for reminding us of the unmistakable warmth of having live music coming at you from all angles. It's hard to imagine that in pre-production the stage was completely bare- floor to grid- without a piece of sound equipment in sight. The levels of the orchestra and cast were so well balanced my mind didn't stray to thinking about sound levels throughout the entire show- which is a good thing.
The musical flows seamlessly with high energy from scene to scene, and with history moving so fast- particularly in the first twenty minutes- director Des McAnuff does a superb job of continually driving the action forward.
My only critique would be a few moments of over-acting, but as the actors relaxed into the show and the emotional-intensity became a mainstay, I was quickly completely engrossed in the fantasy world of early-20th Century Russia. Some lines were a little melodramatic, too, but completely forgivable.
My only disappointment is that I didn't see it sooner and have a chance to take my family to see what I will always remember as a special little bit of Australian musical theatre history.
I have every expectation that the show will be a success overseas, and I wish the creative team every blessing that it will touch the hearts of those around the world.
I feel lucky that Sydney was picked to premiere this beautiful musical, and if you get a chance to see Doctor Zhivago in either Melbourne or Brisbane on its Australian tour, I would highly recommend sharing the joy by taking your friends and family- and some tissues.
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