A Blush Opera production supported by New Music Network Mini Series and Festival of Voices 2015 Tasmanian Cabaret Festival
An original cabaret opera by Paul Smith, the absurdist plot follows the curious lunch of two women who are interrupted by an unexpected visitor. The mystery that follows reveals much about the ladies’ complex relationship and may have fatal consequences for one of them.
‘Fancy Me Dead’ is macabre comedy of operatic proportions for two voices, two hands and two dead legs. Meet Dora and Cora, two doyennes of design and business partners in a couture, upholstery empire. Lately business has not been so successful due to the mistakes of their Spanish intern Manuel. The two ladies meet to discuss their failing business over lunch when an unexpected visitor drops in. Witness two thrilling voices as they hurl accusations and threats at each other in a operatic murder mystery laced with intrigue, poison, fabric swatches, sandwiches..... and a very dubious pot of tea.
Duration 60 min (no interval)
Age M15+
Genre cabaret opera
Instrumentation 2 voices + piano
Alternative Instrumentation: 2 voices + chamber ensemble (clarinet/bassoon/flute/french horn/violin/viola/cello)
Highlights
“I had to stop myself from laughing out loud because I didn’t want to miss the next line.”
Performances
2015 October // Hayes Theatre Co // New Music Network Mini Series
2015 September // Baroque Room, Katoomba // New Music Network Mini Series
2015 July // Festival of Voices, Hobart // Tasmanian Cabaret Festival
2016 October // Festival Fatale (shortlisted) // Eternity Playhouse
2016 May // In Concert for Pacific Opera Fundraiser // Independent Theatre
2017 June // Bondi Feast Festival // Bondi Pavilion
Acknowledgments
The creative development of Fancy Me Dead in 2015 would not have been possible without the financial and in-kind support of these three companies that were instrumental in bringing this piece to life.
credits
Composer & Librettist Paul Smith
Cora Taryn Srhoj
Dora Jermaine Chau
Pianist Benjamin Burton & Naomi Degabriele
Conductor Luke Spicer
Chamber Ensemble Sirius Ensemble
Graphic Design Mariko Elliot
media
http://www.cutcommonmag.com/opera-comedy-and-murder-with-composer-paul-smith/
https://www.sydneyartsguide.com.au/titbits-bondi-feast/
“One is so swept away with the fun of the story and the zesty genre bending that the superb singing and orchestration might slip by unnoticed. But this delicious confection is quality all the way.”