Opera Australia 2008 Autumn Season
By Antony Steadman
Theatre Editor
Published Jun 11, 2008

Carmen -Photo by Jeff Busby A Masked Ball
Carmen
Arabella
My Fair Lady

This years Opera calendar boasts some beautiful works, both new
productions and revivals.

To begin, audiences are treated to the beautiful "A Masked Ball" by
Verdi, in which "deception and disguise rule at the Swedish court of
King Gustav III. While the benevolent ruler plans a grand masquerade
for the pleasure of his subjects, a band of conspirators are plotting
his end. The traitors, however, will only succeed if they can enlist
an ally close to the king. Enter fate.

In the end the only true conspirator in Verdi's vividly crafted tale
is love. For, in spite of the external machinations of a kingdom in
turmoil, the real drama plays out internally, through Verdi's
evocative orchestral writing, his lush melodies and one of opera's
greatest love duets ever."

The orchestration and chorus work here are absolutely stunning. The
true highlight of the piece is the choral finale. Visually, this
production was not necessarily the most spectacular, however the
settings served their individual purpose. The stellar cast includes
opera's favourite mezzo, Milijana Nikolic, alongside Nicole Youl and
Michael Lewis.


A Masked Ball - Photo Jeff Bubsy Following this is a brand new
production of Carmen. It is exciting to see a fresh approach to a
classic piece. This new, minimalist production has been filmed for
ABC TV and it's not hard to see why. With a cast of both old and new
faces, Carmen has been transformed. The classic tunes are all there,
with a highlight being Carmen's "Habanera." Pamela Helen-Stevenson
smoulders in the title role with a fine acting ability and a voice to
match.

Thirdly in the season is a new production of Richard
Strauss' "Arabella" which features a star studded line up of talent
including Emma Matthews, Peter Coleman-Wright and the gorgeous Cheryl
Barker. The story is a simple one, Arabella is on her search for Mr
Right. Along the way we are treated to a psychological drama of inner
conflict. The entire production is stunning and should be highly
lauded. The cast handle the tricky melodies with ease and grace.

Finishing this years season is a brand new production of My Fair
Lady. Yes it's a musical theatre piece, however, over the past few
years, Opera Australia have endeavoured to widen their repertoire to
include a popular musical piece each season. The cast features Reg
Livermore as Henry Higgins, alongside Taryn Fiebig as Eliza. To round
out this fine production is one of the finest line ups on one stage.
As the eternal matriarch, Mrs Higgins, is the show-stealing Nancye
Hayes. Rhys McConnochie is Colonel Pickering. Judi Connelli is
unfortunately under used as the housekeeper, Mrs Pearce, as it would
have been nice to hear her use that incredible voice as well as her
acting talent. Robert Grubb plays Alfie Dolittle with flair somewhat
reminiscent of Stanley Holloway and relative newcomer, Matthew
Robinson is dashing and handsome as Freddy Einsford-Hill.

This being said, however, the true star of the piece is the Ascot
scene, with the fashion parade of stunning outfits, which were all
designed and created especially for this production. If these outfits
don't win an award, it will be a great shame.

The production moves at a cracking pace, with a revolving stage being
used to great effect, which keeps the action flowing, whilst never
missing a moment.

Although the tickets are not the cheapest in town, this is fine
culture at its peak and is worth every cent.