(Otto Maidi)Grand epic opera on a miniature stage? How is this possible? Audiences can expect innovation, cleverness, full orchestral sound – and loads of laughs! This festive season, the Catalina Theatre at Durban’s Wilson’s Wharf will be hosting an entirely different musical production conceived by Themi Venturas, with scenes written by up-and-coming playwright Dhaveshan Govender and directed by multi-award winning, Clare Mortimer. Their feisty production, Opera Exposed, takes a humorous look at the wonderful world of opera, as seen through the eyes of two comedic theatre workers.
Opera Exposed stars three of South Africa’s top operatic soloists: popular Cape Town soprano, Beverley Chiat, last seen in Durban in Handel’s Messiah; Otto Maidi, a bass baritone who most recently sang the role of Colline in La Bohème in Norway and Johannesburg, and has sung the role of DinuZulu in Mzi Khumalo’s Princess Magogo; and Dewald Von Solms, the distinguished tenor whose many appearances in SA opera led to a recent three month stint with the Israeli Opera recently.
So what happens when two intrepid theatre flymen played by Dhaveshan Govender (Shear Madness, Shooting, Spice and Stuff) and Loyiso McDonald (Sasol Fever, Shear Madness, Master Harold and the Boys, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Othello) present their humorous perceptions of the world of Opera? While they muse about the “Great fuss” made of opera, audiences will hear world class renditions of some best loved operatic highlights. Expect to hear material from Nabucco, La Traviata, La Bohème, The Magic Flute, Gianni Schicci, Aida, Porgy and Bess, Il Trovatore, Rigoletto, as well as popular favourites from Phantom of the Opera; Josh Groban’s You Raise Me Up; Freddie Mercury’s Barcelona; Ol’ Man River from Show Boat, and Conquest of Paradise by Vangelis.
Experience Opera Exposed at the Catalina Theatre from December 9 to 19. Show times Thursday to Saturdays at 20h00, with an earlier performance on Saturday at 17h00 (Sundays at 14h00 and 18h00). Tickets R90 (evenings) and R60 (matinees).
Early booking is advised. Book on 031 305 6889 Mondays to Fridays between 09h00 and 16h00, and between 09h00 and 13h00 on Saturdays. Box office is closed on Sundays but tickets are available online at www.strictlytickets.co.za For corporate block bookings, charity fundraisers and show / meal deals, call Thandeka on 031 305 6889/ 3057612 or email t74@mweb.co.za or tsibisi@mweb.co.za
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