Cunning Little Vixen
Adelaide’s Ridley Centre will come alive for three nights in May, when a charismatic and cheeky Vixen, a handsome fox and a colourful array of magical forest creatures take centre stage in State Opera South Australia’s Cunning Little Vixen.
Bringing together an incredible Australian cast – complete with a chorus of chooks and children dressed as grasshoppers, bees, frogs, caterpillars, crickets and dragonflies – Cunning Little Vixen is a musical celebration of nature and the cycle of life.
Directed by State Opera’s Artistic Director Stuart Maunder, this unforgettable theatrical experience will be held at Adelaide Showground’s Ridley Centre on Saturday 18 May, Thursday 23 May and Saturday 25 May at 7.30pm.
Set in an idyllic forest, Janáček’s opera follows a Vixen’s journey from youth to adulthood, where, with the help of her forest friends and a handsome Fox, Vixen faces growing up and the excitement and uncertainty that a changing world brings.
Accompanied by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, and featuring State Opera’s Chorus and Children’s Chorus, Cunning Little Vixen is a unique experience for audiences and a wonderful introduction to opera. The Adelaide season stars South Australian Desiree Frahn as the Vixen, and sees the return of award-winning soprano Antoinette Halloran to the role of Fox.
Maunder said Cunning Little Vixen was considered one of the great modern works. He said the rarely performed piece would take place in a non-traditional opera setting, which follows on from the company’s hugely successful Carmen in the Square event earlier this year, set in the City’s Victoria Square.
“To bring two major operas back-to-back in non-operatic venues for absolutely everyone to enjoy is a real thrill,” he said. He said State Opera’s focus on making more opera for more people was reflected through Cunning Little Vixen.
“An incredible universal piece, Cunning Little Vixen is a story that speaks to everyone,” he said. “It’s fun, charming, performed in English, incorporates a children’s cast and features beautiful music. This is a real immersive experience – audience members are up close and personal to the stage and orchestra.”
Nominated for four Helpmann Awards (including Best Opera and Best Director), Stuart Maunder’s evocative production featuring sets by Richard Roberts, Costumes by Roger Kirk and Lighting by Trudy Dalgleish was premiered by Victorian Opera in 2017 and presented by Western Australian Opera in 2018.
Maunder, who first saw the show himself as an 18-year-old, said it still speaks straight to his heart years later. “All the analysis in the world can’t tell us why, but with a fist pounding the heart we can all say ‘it gets you right here’,” he said.
“The last 30 seconds of the show showcases some of the most sublime music – you can’t quantify why it makes you feel as glorious as it does, but it does. Vixen is a thing of wonder – a vivid parallel world that is full of surprise. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.”
State Opera’s Cunning Little Vixen will transform the Ridley Centre at The Adelaide Showground on Saturday 18 May, Thursday 23 May and Saturday 25 May 2019. Conducted by Johannes Fritzsch and directed by Stuart Maunder, the show is unique experience for audiences and a wonderful introduction to opera. Tickets are on sale now.
Tickets: Premium $120 | A Res $100 | B Res $80 | C Res $50 | Schools $20 | U30’s $30 | Family Pass $210 (2x Adult 2x Children A Res Only)
CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS
For more information and all enquiries please visit the State Opera South Australia website.
What: Cunning Little Vixen
When: Saturday 18, Thursday 23 and Saturday 25 May 2019 | 7.30pm
Where: Ridley Centre | Adelaide Showground, Goodwood Rd, Wayville
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: images supplied
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