SunLive CompetitionOpera may evoke images of men and women belting out tunes in Italian, but the New Zealand Operatunity is “light hearted fun”, says director Geoffrey Hughes. Celebrating its 10 year anniversary, the company is beginning a three-week long tour of 25 towns across New Zealand in February.
The musicals will not be performed in “opera style” because Geoffrey says they have abandoned the traditional “park and bark” method. “That style is not how we are anymore, but we used to do corporate opera events. “I am singing Master of the House from Les Miserables and that would be hard to do in full blown opera. We are very versatile in that respect.” Over the last decade, Geoffrey says the opera has not undergone any structural changes, but the major change is the increase in numbers. “It started with 70 people in total attending concerts, at four different venues. After 10 years, we have 10,000 members following us. “This is a testament to how well the concerts are held in regard. We have had loyal followers right from the very beginning.” This show features two different casts, one touring the Auckland venues with young artists accompanying the more experienced professional singers, and another cast for all other North and South Island venues. “Every concert we change the singers around. After three weeks on the road together you get to know everyone very well. “Last tour we did about 6500km in the bus touring with the pantomime,” says Geoffrey. The Best of Modern Musicals will be performed at Holy Trinity Church on February 25. Win: Go in the draw to win a double pass and a CD with SunLive. Entrants must be aged 18 years or over. To enter, you must be logged in, if you are new click here to register for free! Competition ResultsWilliam Irvine |
Send us your photos and stories from around the Bay of Plenty. |
The season begins with The Best of Modern Musicals, featuring songs from musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, Starlight Express and Wicked and Chess.
