Gilbert & Sullivan Society Presents Offenbach's ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD 5/12

All hell will break loose at the Scott Theatre in May when the Gilbert & Sullivan Society presents Offenbach's naughty twist on the Orpheus legend. The production will use a libretto written for Opera Australia by Phillip Scott and Jonathon Biggins.

"This show will take you to hell and back - and you'll love every tongue-in-cheek, effervescent second", said director Ric Trevaskis.

The Opera Australia libretto was recommended to the Society by new patron and ex-Opera Australia executive producer Stuart Maunder.

"It's really a rather lovely coup for both the Society and Adelaide", said Trevaskis.

"This is a brilliantly witty translation of an already brilliantly witty show - and something we wouldn't otherwise see in this State."

Following the success of two sold-out seasons of their multiple award-winning production of Les Miserables, Trevaskis is promising an opulent Orpheus, with extravagant sets, over a hundred stunning costumes and a brilliantly talented Adelaide cast and orchestra.

The show will be musically helmed by local operetta expert Alan McKie and choreographed by Sue Pole.

"If you ever wondered where the Can-Can came from, it's this show", said Trevaskis.

"And we'll have all the denizens of hell - from the Queen of Hearts to Lord Voldemort - kicking up their heels in an infernal Can-Can you can't-can't miss."

The production features many extremely talented Adelaide performers, including John Greene, Paul Talbot, Norma Knight, Desiree Frahn, Nicolas Lock and Roslyn Lock.

Pluto, King of the Underworld (disguised as a simple bee-keeper) woos Eurydice away from Orpheus and leads her down to Hades.

Orpheus, who couldn't care less, is forced into at least attempting to retrieve her by a Pauline Hanson-esque manifestation of Public Opinion.

Orpheus travels to heaven, collecting Jupiter and an assortment of other gods, before descending into hell as Offenbach lampoons hypocrisy and wowserism in a show that's as relevant today as when it was written.

Orpheus in the Underworld will be performed at the Scott Theatre from May 12 to 16. For bookings phone 8447 7239 or Bass on 131 246.