OSO Arts Centre will look at what really goes on behind the scenes, when a public face is transformed into a private face, when it presents Dress Rehearsal by A.J. Evans from the 9th to the 20th February.
The play follows five performers across one evening as they attempt to bring opera to a London pub. Taking place both onstage and backstage the ballads and arias are parallel to the hopes and fears of the individual singers.
Set in the bar and the intimacy of the dressing room, the play looks at the failures,ambitions and rivalries of the performers on an evening when tensions between them come to a head.
Directed by Paola Cuffolo, the production uses opera and traditional music to express the variety of emotions that the characters express during the play.
Talking about the play A.J. Evans said: “Dress Rehearsal was inspired by a group of middle-aged performers I saw singing in a London pub. I couldn’t help wondering what their hopes and dreams had been. On stage they show a united front – but perhaps there were all kinds of jealousies and insecurities simmering under the surface?”
Dress Rehearsal is filled with excerpts from operas such as La Traviata, Carmen and The Magic Flute. It features set designs by Sophie Hulbert, lighting by George Petty and costumes designed by Liz Marsden.
Director Paola Cuffolo commented: “what the script does brilliantly is show how people interact with one another when they must work together towards a shared goal but from totally different idealistic standpoints.”
The cast will include: Tony Baker, Alexandra Cowell, Luke Farrugia, Amanda Wagg and James Richards.
Dress Rehearsal is on at the OSO Arts Centre from the 9th to the 20th February. Tickets cost £14-£16 to book and for more information visit: http://www.osoarts.org.uk/events/dress-rehearsal-by-a-j-evans.