Arts writer
In a first for Cape Town Opera, stand-up comedian Alan Committie takes to the Opera House stage in The Merry Widow of Malagawi, which premieres at Artscape Opera House from September 5 to 12.
Playing the spoken role of Njegus, Committie is thrilled to be working with Cape Town Opera. “For the sake of the audience, I am pleased that they haven’t asked me to sing in this show!”, he quipped.
Better known for his starring role in Defending the Caveman and productions such as Little Shop of Horrors, A Load of Bull, Perfect Wedding and No, Seriously, Committie is also a writer, director and award-winning actor. Joining him on stage is British soprano Elizabeth Llewellyn, noted for her singing in the role of Hanna Glawari. South African/Portuguese soprano Filipa van Eck, who has been praised for her “spirited, playful and delicious performance”, returns from the UK to sing Valencienne, and Aubrey Lodewyk sings the role of Danilo, the elusive bachelor.
“We’re thrilled to have assembled such a captivating cast for this new production,” says CTO Artistic Director Matthew Wild. “Operetta doesn’t only require gorgeous voices; it also needs sparkling personalities and a cheeky sense of humour – qualities which our leads have in spades!”
CTO presents this new adaptation of Franz Lehár’s The Merry Widow, with witty new lyrics and dialogue written by Janice Honeyman. Replacing the fictional Pontevedro of the original story with the newly invented state of Malagawi, this new production plays out amongst the glamorous elite of a contemporary African metropolis.
The themes prevalent in Lehár’s early 20th-century Vienna – women’s suffrage, the growth of industrialism and the movement from rural to urban economies – mirror many current situations on our continent. As such, Malagawi is a light-hearted theatrical and musical exploration of diplomatic intrigue, capitalism, and true love.
At the helm of the production is acclaimed director Janice Honeyman, with costume designs by Birrie le Roux, set designs by Michael Mitchell, lighting by Mannie Manim and choreography by Sean Bovim. CTO Associate Music Director Tim Murray conducts the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.
For an extra-special night-at-the-opera experience, a Show & Stay Package includes dinner, one night’s accommodation at the SunSquare Cape Town, a buffet breakfast, first tier show tickets to The Merry Widow of Malagawi, plus a souvenir programme and transport to and from Artscape for R1700 for two people sharing.
For the remainder of the 2015 season, CTO has teamed up with leading creative artists to also produce Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda on November 7 and 8. This year’s season culminates with the staging of FOUR:30, which introduces four new home-grown operas on one bill at the Artscape Theatre from November 21 to 28.
l Tickets R125 – R320. Book: 0861 915 8000. 50% discounts on September 9 to 12 performances (bring ID). Limited early bird special: Bookings of 10 or more: R150. Info: www.capetown opera.co.za