High art from hissy fits: Two Daft Sopranos

2 June 2011

Media Release: for immediate distribution

High art from hissy fits: Two Daft Sopranos

The Musgrove Studio at the Maidment Theatre will ring with the sound of Schubert and the occasional stinging slap when new play, Two Daft Sopranos, is staged on 10 & 11 June.

A comedy for music lovers (and those who have always wondered about the dark side of the opera divas, and who hasn’t?) the play showcases the talents of singers, Samantha Chardin and Tarryne Webb, in a story about two divas whose operatic recital goes badly wrong.

The play is centred on two aspiring operatic singers, sopranos Sam and Tarryne, as they perform a recital assisted by a hapless pianist who is hamstrung by the histrionics of the two leads. Two Daft Sopranos features some of the best-loved works of famous composers, such as Verdi, Mozart and Delibes, and mixes in more contemporary music from Gilbert & Sullivan.

Writer and director, Samantha Chardin, says the play is something different for Auckland audiences. “As a working performer and a former Hollywood screenwriter, I have drawn on my own experiences to produce a story based in reality that is infinitely stranger than fiction. I can tell you that divas exist in New Zealand and this play brings the audience into their daft and crazy lives.”

Tarryne Webb showcases some of the play’s racier costumes alongside her singing voice and says that Two Daft Sopranos is a unique blend of physical comedy and classical singing that will appeal to a broader audience than just fans of classical music. “If you hate opera but have a sense of humour then this will reward your prejudices” she smiles.

Two Daft Sopranos runs for three shows, at the Maidment Musgrove Studio on the 10 & 11 June.

Ph (09) 308 2383 for tickets http://www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz

ENDS

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