Doctor Zhivago

There has been no greater moment in Australian theatre in the past 10 years  than when the curtain came down on the opening night performance of Doctor Zhivago in Sydney and everyone in the theatre would could claim “they did it”.

Producers: GFO
Venue: Lyric Theatre, Sydney

Review Date: February 19, 2011

There has been no greater moment in Australian theatre in the past 10 years  than when the curtain came down on the opening night performance of Doctor Zhivago in Sydney and everyone in the theatre would could claim “they did it”.

And that they did.

The producers, cast and creative team have mounted a world class production that has such class, such wit and such amazing performances, that it could stand beside any show currently running on Broadway or the West End.

Don’t even mention Australia – it leaves anything currently playing on our shores for dead.

A Russian romance set with war and revolution as its backdrop, Doctor Zhivago is very Les Miserables-esque, and there is no reason that this production could not ultimately reach the lofty heights that show has achieved over the past few decades.

Zhivago is a very heavy show for Australia – particularly given how much audiences have been turned towards popcorn theatre and the like for such a long time – but it is one that holds great importance and should be seen by anyone who regards theatre and the arts as an important part of their lives.

Thankfully, much of the dark content is broken up by the odd comedic moment, particularly the hilarious ‘It’s a godsend’ number in the first act, which nicely breaks up the nasty tones of war and murder.

The highlight of the entire production is definitely the amazing songs – so strong, so powerful – Lucy Simon’s score and Michael Korie’s and Amy Powers’ lyrics rarely miss a beat for the three hours the show runs.

They are helped along by a tremendous cast – led by the beautiful, faultless voice of Anthony Warlow, who, despite his critics, must simply be hailed as the greatest theatrical voice this country has – he shines in a new, exciting way in this production as the title character.

And deserving of much praise is the rising star Lucy Maunder as Lara, who captures the heart of Zhivago, perhaps the only weakness to her otherwise strong-willed nature. Maunder is stunning – and can now proudly declare herself one of the leading ladies of Australian musical theatre.

The set is as smart as it is magical, and the costumes, as one could imagine given the historical era in which the show is set, are intricately amazing.

And whilst there may be no hummable showtunes, there’s little doubt the powerful number ‘Now’ will stick with you.

There’s a few issues to iron out – at times, certain scenes and moments drag on a little (there’s instances of this both in the first and second act), and it’s more than a little distracting having a female play a young boy – but overall, Doctor Zhivago is a triumph.

One gets the feeling two things will bring people to this show – curiosity and Anthony Warlow. In both cases, they will be rewarded.

It is a first class, brilliant production. As for Warlow, the same words apply.

One can only hope that Doctor Zhivago earns the praise, recognition and of course, long-term success that it deserves.

Sydney season continues, then touring. Bookings: www.showbiz.com.au.