The MSU School of Music’s Opera Theatre will perform Jacques Offenbach’s comedic 1858 operetta “Orpheus In the Underworld” this weekend.
Filled with raunchy humor and love scandals, the opera will show Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. All performances are at Wharton Center’s Fairchild Theatre.
Considered one of Offenbach’s masterpieces, “Orpheus,” originally written in French, is directed by faculty member Melanie Helton.
“It’s risqué - at least PG-13 if not R-rated,” said music performance junior Katy Stokes, who plays Minerva, the goddess of justice. “It is the first thing Melanie Helton has had creative control over from beginning to end.”
The opera is filled with famous tunes such as “Overture” and “Can-Can,” where 38 singers and dancers will fill the stage.
“The Love Police,” an ensemble within “Orpheus” with members wearing only T-shirts and heart-adorned boxers, which will also entertain viewers.
“It’s kind of making fun of Greek tragedy,” said music education senior Chris Smith, a chorus and “Love Police” member. “It’s super funny.”
Preview lectures will be held 45 minutes before each performance.
Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and $8 for students and those under 18. They are available only through Wharton Center. For more information, call (517)432-2000.
