Orpheus in the Underworld

Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld was presented last night at my alma mater Sacramento State.  They made up their own dialog to downplay the hell as brothel aspect of the story.  It was lots of fun.

Fun things were Robin Fisher as Cupid.  She was by far the silliest person on the stage.  She is also the silliest person in the above photo.

The Euridice and the fly duet with Vanessa Martucci and Donn Bradley as Euridice and Jupiter who has been turned into a fly was a highlight.  Cupid is always ready to assist.  Here are Natalie Dessay and Laurent Naouri singing this.




There is an insider joke in this work.  At the logical place in the plot, or as logical as it gets, "Che faro senza Euridice," the hit tune from the Gluck opera is heard.  My friend and I were probably the only ones who noticed this.

I only decided to post about this because of Vanessa Martucci who sang Euridice.  This is my first time to see her since April of 2011 when she sang Adele in Fledermaus.  I liked her then and I like her now.

Elise Savoy, Matt Hidalgo, Anthony Tavianini, and Kyle Sullivan are all worthy of mention.

Thanks to Omari Tau, the producer of this extravaganza. Offenbach is an excellent choice for student singers.