06/09/12 – Ariadne auf Naxos – 1:00pm
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Ariadne auf Naxos by Richard Strauss
Approximate Running Time: 3 hrs.,
sung in German
Vienna’s richest man is planning an incredible party.
First — guests will enjoy a serious opera (the Prima Donna plays Ariadne, who’s ready to die on the island of Naxos because her lover’s jilted her). Then comes a ribald comedy, starring saucy Zerbinetta (who’s got a Ph.D. in flirting). And finally, there’s to be a pyrotechnic display.
But the host suddenly decides both productions must take place simultaneously so the fireworks can start promptly at nine!
The Composer’s aghast and the Prima Donna’s horrified. But watch what happens when Zerbinetta gets into the act and determines that Ariadne’s “tragedy” shouldn’t end unhappily after all!
This is Strauss à la Rosenkavalier, with sparkling, luscious music that wraps itself around a witty comedy.
CAST/CREW
Prima Donna/Ariadne
Amber Wagner
Zerbinetta
Anna Christy
Composer
Alice Coote
Tenor/Bacchus
Brandon Jovanovich
Music Master
Eike Wilm Schulte
Harlequin
Matthew Worth
Conductor
Sir Andrew Davis
Director
John Cox
Designer
Robert Perdziola
Lighting Designer
Duane Schuler