Published Monday 21 September 2015

Clink Theatre played host to some of the world’s most finest operas last weekend with A Night at the Opera raising the roof.

Performing such classics in Act One as La Traviata and Nabucco composed by Verdi, Les Miserables written by Victor Hugo and originally composed by Schonberg as well as Madam Butterfly composed by Puccini, one could have easily been mistaken in thinking they were seated in front of the stage at one the big city opera houses.  The talent on our local stage presented as professional and captivating.

Musical director Mezzo Soprano Alteouise De Vaughn is well known to audiences throughout the USA and Europe and she now shares her career achievements to local audiences. Since her move to FNQ she has been delighting Australian audiences and has recently joined Opera Australia as a principal artist.

“I became aware that classical music audiences had to travel great distances to enjoy performances,” says Ms De Vaughn.

With a multi talented cast of local performers, they offered the audience an experience which was both breathtaking and moving.

In Act Two the performance of Carmen composed by Bizet, was played out in four scenes.

For the cast to combine singing, dancing and acting and present it in an art form as difficult and demanding as opera is a true testament to their talents.  Bearing in mind that the operas were sung in Italian or English, adds only further to their efforts to deliver a professional opera experience to their audiences.

“My voice students are included, singing the solos incorporated in the various pieces performed.

“Many of the members of the chorus have never seen an opera, never dreamed that their first experience would be as a performer,” said a proud Ms DeVaughn.

The local talent was a cast of all ages. The staging props though minimal were enough to set the scene.  The lighting and back drops were accurate in achieving the desired moods required, showing that opera is a dramatic work of art and a roller coaster of emotions.

With cast travelling locally as well as from Cairns and Kuranda for the rehearsals and performances, is an indication of dedication and enthusiasm for this production.

Congratulations to all involved in A Night at the Opera for an outstanding performance.