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Orpheus in the Underworld (Orphée aux enfers)

Thu, Nov 02

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Power Center for the Performing Arts

Daiyao performed as L'opinion publique in Offebach's Orphée aux enfers.

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Orpheus in the Underworld (Orphée aux enfers)
Orpheus in the Underworld (Orphée aux enfers)

Time & Location

Nov 02, 2023, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Power Center for the Performing Arts, 121 Fletcher St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA

About the event

The Department of Voice and the University Symphony Orchestra are back in action with a production that’s going to take you on a wild ride!

Now, you’ve heard the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice in various forms, but get ready for something completely different. This time, we’ve got a cheeky twist for you, courtesy of French composer Jacques Offenbach. Orpheus is not the divine son of Apollo but instead a lackluster music teacher, and his marriage to Eurydice is far from harmonious. Eurydice secretly loves Aristée, who is actually Pluto in disguise. As Aristée serenades with a pastoral ode to sheep, Eurydice suspects foul play, believing Orpheus plans to harm him. In reality, Orpheus and Pluto scheme to eliminate her. Pluto dupes Eurydice into the deadly trap, revealing his true form as she succumbs in. They descend to the Underworld, leaving a note for Orpheus. Just as Orpheus begins to revel in his newfound freedom, Public Opinion storms in, threatening to besmirch his name unless he goes to the Underworld to rescue his wife. Reluctantly, Orpheus embarks on his epic quest to bring Eurydice back from the depths, setting the stage for Offenbach’s delightful operatic journey.

Here’s the kicker: We’re singing this in French, but don’t worry, the dialogue is in good ol’ English. The production is set in the late 1950s, right in the eve of John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign – and trust us, it’s going to be a blast. So, mark your calendars, dust off your dancing shoes, and get ready to twist, groove, and laugh your way through “Orpheus in the Underworld.” It’s a special spin you won’t want to miss!

Daiyao will perform as L'opinion publique in Offebach's Orphée aux enfers! See you at the show!

Conductor: Brian Garman

Stage Director: Mo Zhou

Scenic Design: Kevin Judge

Costume Design: Sarah Oliver

Lighting Design: Marie Yokoyama

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© 2024 Daiyao Zhong

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