Offenbach's ORPHEUS: A hilarious new take on the gods' musical mythadventures from Mt. Olympus to the Underworld. R e c o r d i n g to P r o d u c e r R o g e r N e l s o n , this is s h o w /I number 6 0 for a Society that began in 1 9 4 8 and is / I the longest continuously producing amateur musical theatre organization in B.C. Offenbach wrote the original opera in 1858 as a chamber piece in two sets, based on a Greek myth. The Myth: Orpheus, son of one of the Muses, receives the gift of music and poetry. He marries the nymph Eurydice. She is bitten by a snake and dies soon after the marriage. Orpheus, heartbroken, appeals to the Gods and is allowed to go to the Underworld to have her follow him back to the world of the living. He must not look back at her as they leave, but cannot resist and loses her forever. Director Peter Jorgensen has completely rewritten the dialogue and lyrics of the original production and this production debuts as a World Premiere. In this story, Orpheus and Eurydice can't stand one another, the Gods of Olympus are eternally bored, everyone is looking for a little action on the side, and on top of all that, Public Opinion is demanding that this story remain true to the original Greek tragedy. Will this epic tale be told as intended or will it all go to Hell? "This operetta is more like the original than the 1966 adaptation we were going to use," says Jorgensen. "It is suited to a smaller theatre and is a more intimate experience. It is very irreverent, very funny and entertaining." Peter Jorgensen grew up in North Vancouver. He studied voice, piano and drama at Capilano College, and found himself drawn toward Musical Theatre. He enjoys all aspects of the work and is a writer, composer, lyricist, performer, director and educator. Three years spent at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York were followed by many theatre performances off Broadway and in Vancouver, where he also got the opportunity to direct. Deep Cove resident and M u s i c a l Director, Dominique Hogan is a professional musical director, accompanist, arranger, composer and MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) programmer. Hogan has worked in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Maine and Montreal. This is her Vancouver debut as a musical director. She holds a Masters degree in musical direction for musical theatre/lyric opera, a Bachelor of music degree In music theory and a Diploma in Collegiale Studies in piano performance. She has been playing piano since the age of four. A s well as musical directing, she has also studied orchestral conducting. Hogan says she is really excited about this production. It Is a more authentic adaptation of Offenbach's original work. "Offenbach's works are brilliant and very funny. However, English translations seem to fall short. Peter has completely re-translated the libretto and included more of the original French score. Working with him is especially rewarding as he is a talented musician and actor, with a complete understanding of both the music and the performance aspects of the show." w w w . a r t s - a l i v e . c a Gone to Hell! Due to the small amount of space in the theatre for musicians, Hogan decided to fully orchestrate the music on computer using a sequencer and sampler. "This allows us to have a full orchestra as accompaniment rather than just piano and a few instruments." Hogan and Jorgensen both praise all the performers, especially the talented lead singers, Deanna Antl, a University of Victoria graduate (Eurydice), Ricardo Gamero, very recently arrived from El Salvador (Orpheus), both making their Vancouver debut performances, and well known local performer Angus Stuart (Pluto). WHAT: Offenbach's ORPHEUS: Gone to Hell! WHEN: March 16 - 24 (except Monday & Tuesday) WHERE: Presentation House Theatre, 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver TICKET INFO: 604.990.3474 Order on-line at www.phtheatre.org WHEN: March 28-April 1 WHERE: Kay Meek Studio Theatre, 1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver. Ticket Info: 604.913.3634 Order on line: www.kaymeekcentre.com Bangsd^ DiirJrJha By The O n l y A n i m a l a n d Directed by K e n d r a F a n c o n i Sitot0ruL (v: April 1 9 - M a y 5 , 2 0 0 7 *JBL Citytv presentation Previews $70 . Tuesdays phtheatre.org 604.990.3474 7w& iui/(/cc//' /m/Vcs lj ///)/c% M a r c h | A p r i I