Orpheus in the Underworld Revival

Opening the 2026 lyric season at Theatro São Pedro, Orpheus in the Underworld (Orphée aux enfers) by Jacques Offenbach arrives in a vibrant new staging directed by Cibele Forjaz, with André Dos Santos leading the orchestra. Premiered in 1858, Offenbach’s groundbreaking operetta offers a witty, satirical twist on the Orpheus myth, transforming tragedy into irreverent comedy. With its mix of spoken dialogue, lively ensembles, and dance, the work helped define the operetta genre. Highlights include the iconic “Galop infernal,” forever linked to the can-can. Performances run April 17, 19, 22, 24, and 26, inviting audiences to experience a sparkling, subversive classic that remains as entertaining today as ever.

What did our critic think of OPERA À LA CARTE'S PRODUCTION OF OFFENBACH'S ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD at St. Peter's Episcopal Church Of Del Mar? With even large companies struggling to survive, why did soprano and voice teacher Abla Hamza decide to found Opera À La Carte? Her goals were laudable. As national opportunities continued to shrink, she wanted to provide new ones to local professional opera singers and attract San Diegoans new to opera with lower cost tickets and less intimidating venues. But could she succeed during such a difficult period? Opera À La Carte began with vocal recitals at small venues, and last year graduated to its first full opera.

With an original libretto by Hector Cremieux and Ludovac Halevy and now directed by Ralph Bott and orchestrated by Jon Smith, this version is based on 2nd version, of 1874. The sub-title is Opera Feerie which translates as "extravaganza", and in 1874 it was an absolute extravaganza. The cast was comprised of 42 named principals; 100 choristers (men, women and children), and sufficient dancers for four Grand Ballets (10 Principals, 16 corphees and 60 dames des corps de ballet) … A grand total of 228 performers Offenbach's comic, bitingly satirical, witty and occasionally "naughty" parody of the tragic Orpheus legend involving the Mount Olympus Gods of classical Greek mythology is a farcical, merry romp that has delighted audiences the world over since its Paris premiere in 1858.

Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni will lead the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem.

Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni will lead the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem.

Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni will lead the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem.

Rehearsals begin today, Monday, April 5 for the World Premiere production of PARADISE FOUND, a new musical under the combined direction of Theater legend and 21-time Tony Award winner Harold Prince (the original productions of Cabaret, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, The Phantom of the Opera, Company, Follies, Evita) and 5-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (Crazy For You, Show Boat, The Producers, Contact). This is their first collaboration since the landmark, Tony Award-winning revival of Show Boat. Following the New York rehearsal period, the production will open at London's acclaimed Menier Chocolate Factory with performances running May 19 through June 26.