 The organisers of Grayshott Concerts open air opera 'Madama Butterfly' on Saturday 12th July, have an especially challenging casting problem to solve.
The famous opera by Puccini will be performed by national touring opera company Opera Box, at Grayshott Primary School fields, with top flight professional opera singers in all the roles but one. The so far unfilled role is that of 'Sorrow' the love-child of Cio-cio San (Madama Butterfly) born after Lieutenant Pinkerton of US Navy is posted away from Japan soon after he marries 'Madama Butterfly'. Sorrow is a pivotal role in the opera and the part is usually played by a small boy or girl of 6 - 8 years old.
'Sorrow', whom Cio-cio San intends to rename 'Joy' when Pinkerton returns, is not required to speak or to sing but must act the part in front of an audience of almost 600 people for nearly 20 minutes on stage having attended rehearsals in the afternoon with the rest of the international cast. Director Andrew Gallacher says. "The selected child will be guided throughout by the characters of Butterfly and Suzuki and we shall, of course provide the appropriate costume. This will be an unforgettable experience for whoever is chosen." he added.
Organisers, Peter and Vivien Harrison, whose first open air opera 'Barber of Seville' was performed last year in brilliant sunshine to critical acclaim, are arranging auditions for the role with Jon Hills, Head Teacher of Grayshott Primary School by arrangement with suitable applicants. "We shall be casting for the part and also for an understudy - just in case," said Vivien. "After last years splendid production of their own opera, Grayshott Primary School's own children will take a lot of beating!" Interested parents should ring Vivien on 01428 606666 for their child to be considered in the first instance.
But 'Sorrow' will not be the only local performer involved. Members of Grayshott Concerts' own 'Excelsis' Choir will sing the beautiful 'Humming Chorus' off-stage during the performance. If you are a trained singer who can sight-read music and would like to join in on the evening, you are invited to ring Peter Harrison on 01428 606666. Tickets for the performance at £25 and suppers at £20, sponsored by Barons BMW, Lloyds Pharmacy and Fox & Pelican, are available on 01428 606666; in person at Blaze House Art, Crossways Road Grayshott; on on-line at website www.grayshottconcerts.co.uk.
Submitted by:
Peter Harrison
Buy In Grayshott Campaign
Folly Cottage
Hammer Lane
Grayshott
Hindhead
GU26 6JD
Tel: 01428 606666
www.grayshottconcerts.co.uk
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