Orpheus in the Underworld by Offenbach is an operetta (opera with some dialogue) sung here in English with full orchestra under the musical direction of Derek Clark.
A riotous comic satire on Orpheus and Euridice opera by Gluck, this is a new production by Fran Stafford who catapults the action into very contemporary times with a new translation by Budd Ross. The dancers have been choreographed by Ashleigh Butchart.
The plot follows the trials of Eurydice, wife to a violinist and teacher, Orpheus. They are a poor and unhappy couple., bored with each other. Eurydice dies suddenly and is led into the underworld by her lover who is Pluto in disguise. Orpheus is delighted as the marriage was finished. Orpheus no longer loved his wife, but he is persuaded by a media influencer to follow her into the underworld, (as indifference at her fate might affect his career) and try to bring her back to the real world. The gods who live in Olympus, imagined here as the penthouse of a Las Vegas hotel are equally affected by the influencer as protests at their gates threaten to expose their ineffectual luxury existence. Eurydice is beautiful and Jupiter thinks she might do for him and decides to rescue her himself for nefarious reasons. Meanwhile Eurydice finds herself not in a world of spirits but in a fun nightclub which she finds very enjoyable. Her fun is interrupted by Orpheus who does eventually find her but the gods conspire to have him fail the task he must complete to bring her home.
The music throughout is joyous and tuneful and contains the very famous minuet and Can-Can, everyone knows. The action is funny and very relevant to our present time.
Orpheus in the Underworld was chosen to celebrate Fife Opera’s 50th Anniversary and is an invitation to all to celebrate with us in November.
Suitable for age 12+