Sydney Festival has some world class theatre, dance, art, and music on show throughout the Sydney summer this year, but Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera, is really something special. A fascinating real-life story in its own, the tale of these two German magicians is captured on stage in the form of an opera. And it works beautifully.
In three acts across a 90-minute performance, audiences can witness how two young boys from Germany who managed to grow into the highest-paid magicians in Las Vegas’ history. Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn were business partners, best friends, partners and muses. This, however, came to a grinding halt when their beloved Mantacore, a white tiger who played an iconic role in their performances, abruptly ended their illustrious Vegas run. And it all happened on Roy’s 59th birthday.
In an iconic Sydney Theatre Company venue, audiences have the option to sit on the floor seats closest to the stage and feel the cabaret style atmosphere with bar tables and lamps, underneath multiple chandeliers and fairy lights. There is also tiered seating which provides an excellent view of the on-stage action. The cast also often walk down the stage stairs and stand at the (fully-functioning) bar, which really adds a level of engagement.
Our main duo, Christopher Tonkin (Siegfried Fischbacher) and Kanen Breen (Roy Horn) were tremendous both in their vocality as opera singers and in their physicality as two queer creative artists. Their command of the stage is hypnotic, and not just because of the sheer number of sequins that don their costumes. They are strong, funny, and absorbing storytellers.
The other cast members often play more than one role and perfectly complement the two stars of the show. In no particular order they are Danielle Bavli (Tabby Chateaubriand and Others), Russell Harcourt (Ensemble), Louis Hurley (Tyler D’Amor and Others), Simon Lobelson (Randy Reggiano and Others), Cathy-Di Zhang (Nancy White and Others) and those that deserve a very special mention, Kirby Myers and Thomas Remaili, who were both puppeteer to the famous white tiger, Mantacore.
Mantacore is a very special character in the story of Siegfried and Roy and was brought to life by a series of puppets that become more and more threatening. Starting off with a cute cub, the white tiger grows larger than the magicians and eventually snaps. This is portrayed in a puppet that engulfs the stage in a spectacular yet menacing fashion. An impressive theatrical accomplishment that had jaws on the floor.
Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera is a surprising treat that will undoubtedly entertain. It’s also not a bad way to prepare for the upcoming Mardi Gras season. That is, if there are any sequins left.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
The reviewer attended the performance on 14 January 2025.
Siegfried and Roy: The Unauthorised Opera is playing at the Sydney Theatre Company Wharf 1 Theatre (The Thirsty Mile) from 8 to 25 January 2025.
Tickets available here: https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/events/siegfried-and-roy
