Australian theatre recently lost one of its most beloved performers, with the passing of Michael Falzon.
For many, referring to Michael Falzon in the past tense still feels quite at odds. Not only was the musical theatre star popular with industry peers, but he also proved an audience favourite both locally and internationally. When he died from a rare germ cancer on June 23, tributes flowed from fellow actors, crew, agents and fans. Within days, a large billboard of Falzon’s image appeared above the Melbourne Arts Centre – a venue the 48 year old had appeared in only months earlier.
Falzon grew up in Brisbane, where he began his career singing in Vocal Point, a group that made its mark internationally. It was a turning point leading him to roles in The Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore, Hello Dolly and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. But it was the 2003 Australian premiere of We Will Rock You that gave Falzon the main spotlight, playing the role of Galileo Figaro.
Michael Falzon Photo credit: Gavin D Andrew
He went on to take the lead in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and toured the UK with The War of The Worlds as The Artilleryman. Falzon reprised the role of Gal ileo for the European tour of We Will Rock You before returning to Australia for 2011’s Rock of Ages, as the quintessential Eighties rocker Stacee Jaxx. His co-star Amy Lehpamer, who played the role of Sherrie, remembers the actor as a wonderful and supportive friend.
“I adored working with Michael,” she says.
“His confidence was contagious and his voice soared in every single show. He looked out for me, too. The show could be very taxing and he made a point of making sure I wasn’t too stressed, and that I was eating properly! Away from the stage, he was a remarkable friend and so committed to making time for a proper catch up. I’ve been reflecting a lot on the dedication he had to those he loved – his family, his beautiful wife Jane, and his friends. He made these connections a priority in his life, and so many of us are the richer for it.”
“Away from the stage, he was a remarkable friend”- Amy Lehpamer
Michael Falzon as The Arbiter in Chess (The Production Company)
Simon Gleeson who played ‘Anatoly’ alongside Falzon’s ‘Arbiter’ in The Production Company’s 2012 revival of Chess, also felt privileged to have worked with the star, although his admiration for Falzon developed years earlier.
“Michael was the type of guy who put performance pressure into perspective,” says Gleeson.
“He would get you through a long ‘tech week’ and he was the person you’d cling to in the foyer at an overwhelming opening night. Sure, he could hit high notes with such sickening ease, but his greatest asset may well have been his smile. He smiled so often and so freely, you’d think it was his ‘resting face’. Forty eight years old seems unbearably young, but if the goal in life is to leave the world having made it a better place, then Michael lived three lifetimes!”
Simon Gleeson, Michael Falzon, Silvie Paladino and Martin Crewes in Chess (The Production Company)
Typically in theatre, Falzon had many friends within the LGBTIQ community, often lending his unconditional support. He headlined the annual Aurora fundraising Sydney dinner, but it was during Israel Folau’s Twitter tirade where Falzon tweeted the wittiest of comebacks: “To all my gay friends in our theatre community, Israel Folau has informed us all that you are the reason for drought and fires…can you please stop it?” He continued to make the statement even more poignant – and personal: “He thinks you gave me cancer. Please, just get back to jazz hands and stop hurting straight people”.
“He was the person you’d cling to in the foyer at an overwhelming opening night” – Simon Gleeson
The statement reflected perfectly the actor’s attitude to tackling his illness. While undergoing chemotherapy he maintained an upbeat optimism, organising a concert for the Actor’s Benevolent Fund and was particularly pleased that his friends were inspired to get health checks.
Falzon’s final roles ended on a high. He played Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Magaldi in Evita and Adolfo Pirelli in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Sadly, it was at the final dress rehearsal of the latter where he was forced to withdraw, as the cancer took hold. Australian conductor Vanessa Scammell, who worked on the production, was not only a colleague, but also personal friend.
I knew Michael or ‘Falzon’ as he was known, for almost 25 years,” says Scammell.
“A particular moment we shared which is etched into my memory, took place on stage at the Sydney Opera House. We had been rehearsing for Swing On This and it was that precious time when the stage was quiet, the lights were low and I was at the podium looking over my score. This gig was Michael’s baby. His vision of melding a Rat Pack style show with a smokin’ hot big band and a Symphony Orchestra had come to fruition. He came over to me and together we looked out over the auditorium of empty seats. I said, “Look at us. We are playing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra tonight.” He flashed his million-dollar smile, laughed that ‘Falzon’ laugh and said, “Does that mean we are grown up now?”
“He was handsome as hell, a rock star, loving husband and friend”- Vanessa Scammell
There’s no doubt that Falzon etched his mark onto the world’s stage, both metaphorically and physically, but he will also be remembered through a special memorial fund set up in his honour.
Michael Falzon
“Michael will remain like Peter Pan to us all,” says Scammell.
“He was handsome as hell, a rock star, loving husband and friend. He had top notes for days, talent to burn and a sense of humour that got everyone through the tough times. Michael Falzon, you rock!”
To donate to the Michael Falzon cancer research fund visit: donate.mylifehouse.org.au/tribute/michael-falzon
Michael Falzon as Magaldi in Evita (Opera Australia, John Frost & David Ian Productions)
