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2004 - Orpheus In the Underworld

Show Synopsis

It doesn’t matter how well you remember the Greek Myth about Orpheus and Eurydice: Offenbach’s operetta turns the tragedy into an outrageously funny ‘send-up’.
Orpheus and Eurydice are not the adoring couple that the myth tries to promote. Both are having affairs and it is no surprise when Eurydice disappears into the snake infested cornfield with Aristaeus, the beekeeper. She receives a poisoned bite, and as she fades away, she discovers that her rural lover is no other than Pluto, King of Hades. She makes a quick exit to sample the pleasures of the Underworld.
Orpheus is delighted to find his wife gone, but his mother, Calliope, is determined to see that the myth is maintained. She and Orpheus set off for Olympus where they will call upon Jupiter to put matters right. On Olympus news of the abduction has arrived and Pluto has been sent for. Of course, Jupiter is not exactly innocent when it comes to relations with mortals and his attempts to take the moral high ground only succeed in stirring up trouble among the family. In an attempt to deflect the personal criticism, Jupiter decides to take everyone on a holiday to Hades where he will personally deal with the matter.
Meanwhile, Eurydice is not enjoying her time in Hades. Pluto’s summons to Olympus came before the fun could begin, and she has been left in the care of the heavily drugged Styx. The arrival of the package holiday from Olympus does liven things up, but will she ultimately have to return to Earth with Orpheus? Cupid comes up with a plan which will leave the choice to Eurydice.
This highly disrespectful romp was originally intended to poke fun at the hypocrisy of the government of the French Emperor Napoleon III. You will find that things on both sides of the Channel have not changed very much! The political satire is disguised by the nymphs, shepherds, gods and goddesses, with the fun reaching its climax in the riotous revels of the celebrated “Can-Can”. It promises to be a lively and highly enjoyable show with many world-famous melodies to hum along to.

© 2004 Nick Lawrence