Andrew's Opera was previously published at http://www.redfernclinic.com/

04 February, 2021

Opera season resumes at Sydney Opera House with The Merry Widow.

Dear Readers, 

I have been to the opening night of a marvellous production of The Merry Widow, part of a four opera subscription season this summer (along with Ernani, Tosca and Bluebeard’s Castle).  We still have some Covid clusters in Sydney but life largely continues as usual.  The 50% capacity rule for live theatre was raised to 75% a few weeks ago and I estimate that was about the attendance last night.  Things can change very rapidly with Covid-19 so we are all on tenterhooks and taking all precautions and sanctions by our state governments. 

It was a strange feeling returning to familiar scenes in unfamiliar times ... masks compulsory, drinks pre-opera but NOT during intermissions; social distancing, digital tickets, logs in and out on QR codes, etc. 

Only once before did the opera company open their "opera" season with a piece from musical theatre rather than opera - My Fair Lady many years ago.  

More about 'Widow' from the usual reviewers … I enjoyed it greatly and felt that all singers were excellent, the show was non-stop fun.  Highly recommended!  Seats available from $40 to $335 see OA web site.  We had an extraordinary electrical storm here in Sydney after the opera ... quite theatrical!  And no charge!! 

Andrew Byrne ..