Revealing its first major production for the January 2025 program, Sydney Festival is set to dazzle audiences with Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera - a spellbinding new chamber opera that celebrates the legendary Las Vegas duo, Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn. Known for their jaw-dropping magic and bond with majestic big cats, Siegfried and Roy captivated the world for decades.
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This highly anticipated production is a centrepiece of the 2025 Sydney Festival, with its powerful fusion of opera, live magic, and dramatic flair, revealing the extraordinary friendship and creative partnership behind Siegfried and Roy's success. The opera is co-written by composer-librettist Luke Di Somma, known for The Unruly Tourist, and Constantine Costi, the acclaimed director of Il Tabarro at last year’s Sydney Festival.
Audiences will be transported through time, as the story moves from poverty-stricken Bremen, where the duo grew up, to the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip. Their enduring partnership, which spanned from 1967 to 2003, is marked by the same wonder and illusion they brought to every show – but behind the curtain lies a touching tale of loyalty, vulnerability, and ambition.
Taking on the role of Roy is Australia’s celebrated tenor Kanen Breen, fresh off performances in Hamlet and The Merry Widow. Joining him as Siegfried is baritone Christopher Tonkin, whose international accolades include performances in La Bohème and Nixon in China. The cast is rounded out by a brilliant ensemble of talent, including Cathy-Di Zhang, Louis Hurley, Simon Lobelson, and Russell Harcourt.
The opera offers a unique lens into Siegfried and Roy's deep bond, shared triumphs, and personal sacrifices. With their beloved tiger Mantacore making a symbolic appearance, this production adds a touch of magic to their legacy.
Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera promises to be an unforgettable experience when it takes the stage at Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 1 Theatre, Walsh Bay, from 8–25 January 2025.
- What: Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera
- When: 8th - 25th January 2025
- Where: Sydney Theatre Company’s Wharf 1 Theatre.
- Tickets can be purchased here.