Onegin’s Off Again and Running at Vancouver Opera

For a night of soul-searing romance, a deadly dual, glittering ballroom opulence and gorgeous music married to beautiful poetry, be sure not to miss Vancouver Opera’s new production of the Tchaikovsky classic Eugene Onegin. After all, it’s been 23 years since it last hit the boards (for the very first time!) at the 49 year-old opera company.

Based on Russian literary great Aleksandr Pushkin’s famed serial work, published in its entirety in 1833, Eugene Onegin (pronounced ‘oh-NYAY-ghin’) tells the painful, yet beautiful story of the 19th Century version of “shoulda, coulda, woulda” involving a rich, bored charismatic Russian man who rejects the love of a young woman (If I had nickel for every time that happened to me…!).

The cast list is a who’s who of Canadian and international singers, including baritone Brett Polegato in the title role, soprano Rhoslyn Jones as “Tatyana,” and tenor John Tessier as “Lensky.” Also in the cast are tenor James McLennan as “Monsieur Triquet,” and bass Chad Louwerse as “Zaretski” and “Captain Petrovich.” Vancouver Opera Music Director, Jonathan Darlington will conduct the Vancouver Opera Orchestra.

Eugene Onegin opens on Saturday, November 22, 2008 and continues with subsequent performances Tuesday, November 25, Thursday, November 27, and Saturday November 29, 2008. All performances take place at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Georgia and Hamilton Streets, Vancouver B.C. and curtain is promptly at 7:30 p.m.

So, head out to Vancouver Opera to get some culture. Tickets (which can be had by visiting the Vancouver Opera Ticket Centre at www.vancouveropera.ca or by calling 604-683-0222) start at only an ecomomic downturn-busting $29 bucks!

Be sure to bring your spyglasses and specs--Eugene Onegin is presented in Russian with English translations projected above the stage. Otherwise, you’ll be squintin’ with the oldies!