Launching the Opera Box Season

22 May 2013

Launching the Opera Box Season

With ambitious sopranos, gossipy mezzos, uneasy baritones and those infamously charming tenors, a full range of talent will be let out of the box in two short works presented by the Opera Factory in the inaugural season of the Opera Box.

This exciting new Studio Opera series, workshopped and presented in an intimate setting, is a double bill of comedy sung in English and is onstage for five performances from 22 – 25 May at the Factory Theatre in Newmarket.

First in the double feature is ‘The Kiri Masterclass’, a new work by Claire Scholes about the nerves and emotions of eight University level singers as they prepare to sing for a master. Exploring the diverse personalities of the various students, this comedic piece brings to light the exciting albeit stressful undertaking of the esteemed ‘masterclass.’ Featuring rising stars Leila Alexander and Madison Nonoa as high spirited sopranos, Callum Blackmore as a shy baritone, James Roberson as the extremely charming but lazy tenor, Lauren Roscoe and Charlotte Pridham as warm-hearted mezzos, Kalauni Pouvalu as a fastidious tenor and Benson Wilson as a naïve young bass, this piece gives audiences an insight into the behind-the-scenes world of opera stars-in-training.

1940s radio, twisted morals and evil womanly power combine in the second offering, Gian Carlo Menotti’s delicious one act grotesque comedy ‘The Old Maid and the Thief.’ Starring a quartet of experienced singers with Rosemarie Brown as the powerful Miss Todd, Andrea Benoit as the busy-body neighbour Miss Pinkerton, Mark Covich as Bob the rover and Tamara Mayo as Laetitia the impetuous Maid, Regan Crummer and Daniel Tizzard-Close support the singers as two non-singing fumbling radio technicians.

The two comedies, directed by Sally Sloman with nationally respected Rosemary Barnes as Music Director, offer an innovative and informal theatre experience that promises to thrill audiences.

The Opera Factory, which has been operating since 1994, is a unique training ground offering a programme of guidance, experience and performance opportunity in a variety of theatrical and performance specialties. For further information phone 09 921 7801 or www.operafactory.com

What: The Opera Box (a double bill)
The Kiri Masterclass
The Old Maid and the Thief
When: Weds 22/Thurs 23/Fri 24 May at 7:30pm, Saturday 25 May at 2:00/7:30pm
Where: The Factory Theatre, 7 Eden St, Newmarket, Auckland
How: Online www.iticket.co.nz or phone iticket on 09 361 1000

ENDS

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