One of Australia's most popular opera stars, Roger Lemke, has been announced to play Javert in the forthcoming Melbourne season of Les Miserables. Lemke is a former winner of both the Melbourne and Sydney Sun Arias. Most recently he played Marcello in Baz Luhrmann's production of La Boheme. In the original Australian production the role was played by Phillip Quast. His casting comes at time when fellow Australian Geoffrey Rush is getting great praise for playing Javert in the latest film production of the story. The tenth anniversary production of the show is currently playing at the Theatre Royal in Sydney but three principals are not moving south with the show when it opens at the Princess Theatre on June 27. The roles of Valjean (currently Dave Willetts) and Marius (currently David Campbell) are yet to be announced. Producers have confirmed they are negotiating with an American performer to play Valjean. These are expected to be announced next week. Bookings (61-3) 132 612.