Lyric Opera of Melbourne presents a curious and cheeky double bill

published on March 22 2012
by Jacques Offenbach. Showcasing some of Melbourne’s most talented young up-and-coming performers, the striking new production will take a look at desire and love in a modern metropolis.

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Trouble in Tahiti by Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story, Candide) is a touching look at the post war suburban dream and follows Dinah and Sam, a once-loving married couple who now find themselves lost. The opera sees Dinah become trapped in suburban life and retreat to a fantasy island of her imagination, while Sam has difficulty coping with being a father, a husband and his own man.

The Red Apple (‘Pomme d’Api’) by Jacques Offenbach (Orpheus in the Underworld, Tales of Hoffman) is a quirky charade which looks at the extreme lengths two men will go to impress the mistress they share and win her affections.

This vibrant double bill focuses on two women surrounded by men, both in control in The Red Apple and losing control in Trouble in Tahiti. Offenbach and Bernstein bring these women to life with music of great charm and sensitivity that can be enjoyed and understood by everyone from the first time opera goer to the seasoned music lover.

Lyric Opera of Melbourne continues its nine-year streak of producing fresh, new productions rarely seen on an Australian stage. The talented cast for the double bill includes Caroline Vercoe, Matthew Thomas, Kate Amos, Michael Lapina, Bruce Raggatt, Kate Macfarlane and Ben Riley.

This season is a must see, with five evening performances and one matinee running on April 19, 21, 23, 26, 28 and 29. Tickets are inexpensively priced at $48 for adults and $38 for concession, and $30 for patrons under 30 years of age. Lyric Opera will also hold a $20 Student Night on Monday 23 April.

For more information and booking details call (03) 8290 7000 or visit www.chapeloffchapel.com.au. Find Chapel Off Chapel at 112 Little Chapel Street, Prahran.

Image by Matto Lucas