“Particular praise must be given to Robert Jarman our Director,” said Craig Wellington, Producer of Miss Saigon.

“His vision and skills combined with Bill Dowd (Designer), Ghost MacDonald (Lighting Designer), Mandy Lowrie (Choreographer), Aaron Powell (Musical Director) and Les Johnston (Orchestra Leader) have made this a very special production. The cast assembled for this show has been just extraordinary. I have been involved in theatre for more than twenty years,” Wellington said.

“I’m big and old enough to keep a sense of proportion to the end of a project and not to dissolve into sentimentality… and of course, there are some weeks of work remaining for many of us. But I have to say, this one hurts. Miss Saigon will be sorely missed. The tear in my eye is genuine.”

http://webgallery.timeexposure.com/list.php?cpid=B00714-229&lg=1&valid=true&valid=true

To listen to their performances, simply click the play button below.

In an exclusive “Student Rush” offer:

- Seats are $29 and are ONLY available in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office

- They are ONLY available 1 hour prior to the show and ONLY for 30 minutes (Between 6:30 and 7 PM for evening performances and between 12:30 and 1 PM for matinees)

- A student card must be presented for older students. Younger students we trust can be taken at “face value”

- This offer is based on “the best available seat at the time of booking” so, while it is luck-of-the-draw, it is plausible you could score a Premium or A Reserve seat this way!

- It is unlikely that students in pairs will get to sit together, but that is also luck of the draw.

Director, Robert Jarman, was not jesting when he said “Working on this has made Les Mis look like a walk in the park!”

Reviews will be imminent from both The Mercury and Australian Stage Online.

The show continues at Hobart’s Theatre Royal until October 24 and at the time of this post there are approximately 3000 excellent seats available.

Do not listen to the rumours about sell-outs – you will get a seat. Bookings – Theatre Royal 6233 2299 and Centertainment 6234 5998.

There is a strict blanket ban on showing the major sets, so even cast and crew phone cameras have been banned from rehearsals!

However, with less than a week until the show opens, Producer Craig Wellington and Director Robert Jarman have relented and released four images taken at rehearsals at the Theatre Royal this week.

The images are character shots from the show featuring leads Tess Hansen as Kim, Scott Farrow as Chris, Nicole Simms as Ellen, Craig Wood as Thuy and Stuart Pearce as John.

This is an exclusive “sneak peek” of the legendary musical which opens Thursday 8 October at Hobart’s Theatre Royal. All images are by Tony McKendrick and are copyright the Tasmanian Theatre Unit Trust.

Visitors to Hobart can also save on accommodation / show ticket packages at the awards winning Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel.

The sooner you book your seats, the better they will be, and remember, groups of ten or more will gain significant discounts.

All tickets are available from the Theatre Royal 6233 2299, Centertainment 6234 5998, or Online here www.theatreroyal.com.au

You can meet them, socialise and hear some songs for the show! And if you can’t make it along – please tell all your contacts in the area who may be able to.

It’s FREE but RSVP is ESSENTIAL as we are catering the events… YES, food and bubbly are part of the deal. RSVP to have your name on the door.

• Friday 11 September, 1pm, The Stage Door Cafe, 254 Mount Street, Upper Burnie
• Friday 11 September, 1 pm, Centenary Court, Devonport Entertainment Centre
• Friday 18 September, 5.30pm, The Mercure Hotel, Launceston

Please join us and enjoy a special musical preview of the show.

For catering purposes RSVP to adelaideokeeffe@yahoo.com.au

Not from Hobart?  The award-winning Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel is offering accommodation and show packages starting from just $288 for two people.  Watch the show from your Premium Seats (from the Producer’s own reserve!) and spend the night in a spacious One Bedroom Apartment. Parking is complimentary, as is use of the onsite gymnasium, business centre, guest meeting room and guest lounge.  Reception, room service and security operate 24 hours a day.  What more could you want?!

Pre-show dinner packages in Stockmans Restaurant are also available.   Enjoy a two course meal plus a glass of wine for $45 per person- you’ll be wined and dined and out the door in time to make the show!

Bookings essential.  Visit www.oldwoolstore.com.au or phone 1800 814 676 for more information.