Details

An operatic divertissement to be performed in an abridged version of Moliere's comedy Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme. Both pignant and comic, Ariadne auf Naxos is an opera within an opera. The curtain opens on a Viennese salon where preparations are being made for a performance of an opera. There is consternation when the Major Domo (Chied Butler) announces that due to time pressure, a harlequin troupe will be performing comedy during the opera itself. The conflicting scenarios and contrasting characters reveal what happens when stand-up comedy meets Greek tragedy and music hall meets high art. Sung in German with English surtitles. Running time 2 hours 42 minutes.

Cast/Performers

Anne Schwanewilms (Ariadne), Susan Graham (Composer), Diana Damrau (Zerbinetta), Richard Margison (Bacchus), Dale Duesing (Music Master), John Graham Hall (Dancing Master), Jeremy White (Truffaldino), Dean Robinson (Lackey), Christoph Quest (Major Domo), Grant Doyle (Harlequin), Alasdair Elliot (Brighella), Christopher Lemmings (Scaramuccio), Ha Young Lee (Naiad), Christine Rice (Dryad), Rachel Nicholls (Echo), Jared Holt (Wig Maker), Hubert Francis (Officer)

Creatives/Company

Music: Strauss
Lyrics: Hofmannsthal
Producer: Royal Opera
Corporate Sponsor: Alberto Vilar (2002)
Director: Christof Loy
Design: Herbert Murauer
Lighting: Jennifer Tipton
Choreographer: Beate Vollack
Conductor: Colin Davis