Stage: Chamber Opera Chicago
Jane Austen’s Persuasion: A New Musical Drama comes to The Old Market in Hove
Chamber Opera Chicago are currently performing their acclaimed production of Jane Austen’s Persuasion: A New Musical Drama, which is touring England this summer and can be seen at The Old Market arts centre in Hove.
Chamber Opera Chicago, with roots in Chicago, Illinois, is reportedly very excited to be returning to England in 2014 with its original musical adaptation of one of Jane Austen’s most admired novels, Persuasion – the story of a woman who has lost at love but gets a second chance.
The production tour is with 50 artists (singers, dancers, and orchestra members), and will be performed in five different cities across the UK.
This original adaptation by Barbara Landis is performed with music from Jane Austen’s personal manuscripts, and includes works by Beethoven, Haydn, Handel, Corelli and Pleyel as well as traditional Irish and Scottish tunes.
Fully staged with a chamber orchestra and Celtic instruments, authentic Regency costumes and sets and beautiful projected images, it also features world-champion dancers from the Trinity Irish Dance Company.
Stage direction is by Nick Sandys, British director/actor and choreographer for Metropolitan Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago; musical direction is by Nyela Basney; choreography is by Sara Stewart Schumann, with projected scenery design by John Boesche.
In Persuasion, the story chronicles Anne Elliot who has rejected a proposal of marriage from the one man she truly loved, Captain Frederick Wentworth. She was persuaded by her godmother that Captain Wentworth was unworthy, but after a separation of nearly a decade he returns from sea with both rank and fortune. Anne is nearly an old maid, and her once rich family is on the verge of bankruptcy. The story pivots around the burning question; can he forgive her, and can their lost love be rekindled?
This emotive musical dramatisation is elevated by traditional music of the era, with the chamber orchestra making the most of traditional instruments.
Chamber Opera Chicago is a professional not-for-profit opera company devoted to making great opera affordable, presenting operas in English in intimate settings. The Chamber Opera Chicago Orchestra is distinguished by first-rate conductors and orchestral players and has been highly praised by critics and audience members alike. With award-winning designers and acclaimed directors from around the world, audiences can expect high quality, innovative productions that bring opera to life.
Originating over 25 years ago, Chamber Opera Chicago is now in its eighth year under the direction of Artistic Director Barbara Landis who has re-energized its original mission of making opera, operetta, and musical theatre accessible to the widest possible audience. “COC has become an opera company on par with a repertory theatre,” Landis says. “We want to move our audience emotionally, and create memorable performances for both experienced opera-goers and novices. Our main goal is to touch the hearts of our audience members, make them laugh, make them cry, and leave them wanting more!”
Friday 1 Aug 2014, 7.30pm, The Old Market, Brighton, 01273 201801
www.theoldmarket.com
Follow me: latestandrew
