Daniel Koek pulls out of Ad Cab Fest for Jean Valjean

South Australian born tenor and musical theatre performer Daniel Koek has been living and working overseas for the better part of a decade.

Audiences in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will recognise him as Lt Joseph Cable in Opera Australia’s South Pacific, but his stage experience extends way beyond his Australian professional musical theatre credits.

Until recently, Koek was scheduled to appear at Kate Ceberano’s 2013 Adelaide Cabaret Festival from June 21-22 in A Decade Down The Road. The show was also scheduled to play at  Brenton Langbein Theatre in the Barossa Valley but the star has had to postpone his appearances in South Australia – for a very good reason.

Koek (pronounced Cook) has worked on London’s West End several times (starring as Tony in West Side Story, Cable in South Pacific UK among others) but this year he will return to London’s home of theatre in one of the most coveted male roles – Les Miserables’ Jean Valjean – and sadly his opening performance clashes directly with the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and Barossa shows.

“I’m really disappointed that I’m not able to come home for these performances, as I was very much looking forward to being back in South Australia and performing at the Festival in June”, Koek told AussieTheatre.

“But obviously this kind of opportunity doesn’t come around every day and I think this is a risk I need to take.”

It is understood that Adelaide Cabaret Festival Artistic Director Kate Ceberano has assured Dan that he is welcome back at the Cabaret Festival next year.

“We were very excited to have Dan in the Cabaret Festival program this year as he’s an amazing talent. It’s an incredible opportunity for Dan and we’re very proud of his achievement as it will take his career to another level – not bad for a local boy from Gawler!”, Ceberano said.

Told with songs from musical theatre, opera and pop, intertwined with charming and often funny anecdotes, Daniel Koek – A Decade Down The Road was set to chart Daniel’s transformation from SA Opera’s Young Artist 2003 to one of Australia and the United Kingdom’s finest leading men. Landing this role in Les Miserables has simply reinforced the wonderful journey and there is no doubt Koek will have more stories to tell after this incredible experience.

It is understood that Koek will be rehearsing the role of Jean Valjean from next week, with his first performance to be around 17 June. He will be easing into the role at Queens Theatre on the West End, with the view to be taking on the role permanently from September.

The Adelaide Cabaret Festival will provide a full refund for any patrons who have purchased tickets and apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank patrons for their support of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

For any ticket enquiries patrons can ring BASS 131 246 .