Greenville
Furman University stages operetta romp ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’
Jacques Offenbach’s “Orpheus in the Underworld” scandalized some stuffy Parisian critics when it premiered in 1858. Here was an operetta poking fun at the gods of classical mythology and lampooning serious operas based on the same story. But the public loved it and has kept on loving it for more than 165 years. Among other things, the operetta gave us the famous can-can tune.
Furman University’s Sarah Reese Lyric Theatre will present two performances of “Orpheus in the Underworld” on April 13-14 in McAlister Auditorium on the Furman campus. The operetta, updated to the 1950s, will be sung in English and admission is free.
The operetta follows the storyline of the famous myth, but with comic twists.
Orpheus’ wife, Eurydice, has been spirited away by Pluto to Hades. In the myth, Orpheus bravely sets out to rescue Eurydice. In Offenbach’s retelling, however, Orpheus is only too glad to be rid of his wife. Husband and wife can’t stand each other. Orpheus has to be bullied by the character known as Public Opinion to rescue Eurydice. Orpheus requests help from the gods of Olympus who are bored of the monotonous life of a deity. They happily accompany Orpheus to Hades.
Onstage party
Offenbach wrote a frothy, tuneful score for this operetta that features a number of solos, duets, and big ensemble numbers. “It’s sort of a party on stage,” said Grant Knox, director of the Sarah Reese Lyric Theatre and stage director/choreographer of this production. “It’s zany and wacky, with lots of dancing. It’s a blast.”
The operetta’s famous can-can, the “Galop Infernal” in Act 2, is a chaotic and celebratory dance for the gods. It was 15 years after Offenbach’s death that the Moulin Rouge and the Folies Bergère adapted the tune as the regular music for their high-stepping can-can.
Knox said he has long wanted to stage “Orpheus.” The vocal parts, he said, were perfect for Furman’s undergraduate students. The cast includes about 40 students. “We’ve got some fantastic young performers,” Knox said.
For sets and costumes, Knox is partnering with the Ohio Light Opera company, an arts organization he sang with for several years. “Orpheus” will feature a full pit orchestra, conducted by Simon Gollo, associate professor of violin and conductor of the Furman Symphony Orchestra.
Want to go?
What: “Orpheus in the Underworld” by Jacques Offenbach
When: April 13, 7:30 p.m.; April 14, 2 p.m.
Where: Furman University, McAlister Auditorium
Tickets: Admission is free