Opera lovers and theatergoers will welcome the news of the Playhouse Company’s first venture into operatic territory in some years.

Bravo! Night at The Opera is an operatic showcase season featuring acts from four of the world’s greatest and most highly charged operas: Verdi’s La Traviata, Puccini’s La Boheme, Bizet’s Carmen and Johann Strauss’s Die Fledermaus. The production promises a “feast of visual glamour and some of the most thrilling voices this country has to offer, caught on the wing of some of the world’s greatest melodies”.

This red-blooded music extravaganza features a high-voltage line-up of hot operatic talent that represents the cream of South Africa’s new generation of lyric stars. These include sopranos Zanne Stapelberg and Angela Kerrison; mezzo-soprano Dale Wesson (who grew up in Assegai near Hillcrest, and is making her first professional appearance in her home province); tenors Dewald von Solms and Stéphen Louw; and baritones Abel Moeng and Bongani Vilakazi.

With Russian-born maestro Naum Rousine at the helm of the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic, and musical preparation by Juan Burgers, the production is directed by Steven Stead who has earned distinction for his work with opera companies abroad. Presented on a multi-purpose set designed by Greg King, the singers will appear in dazzling couture creations gear designed by Durban’s own Terrence Bray.

Early booking is advised for this limited season. Performances are in The Playhouse Opera on April 2, 5, 7 and 9 at 19h30. Pre-booked tickets range between R35 and R85, and door prices range from R50 to R100 (concessions for block bookings, students, scholars and pensioners).

Book through Computicket or Dial-A-Seat on 031 369 9555.