Don Giovanni returns to Melbourne in style

Opera Australia has recently gone through a resurgence in presenting some very sexy and stylish operas.

A prime example of this is the current production of Don Giovanni, the famous Mozart Opera, which has undergone a complete change in design and atmosphere.

Replacing the formal and period costume with a leather mask, full-length black leather coat, knee high boots (and let’s not forget the very tight black leather shorts and exposed chest), this is not your typical costume for the Don.

Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Australia’s leading male Opera star, played the title role of Don Giovanni nearly five years ago, and he is thrilled to return as the swash-bucking hero Don Giovanni.

“It is exciting to be coming back to play Don Giovanni” says Tahu Rhodes. “I’m and older man with an older body and I plan to play his middle age demise into tragedy.”

Goran Jarvefelt’s much loved production originally designed by Carl Freidrich Oberle premiered in 1991 and has returned to the stage. No one has made their presence more known in the title role of Don Giovanni than Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Jose Carbo.

Following a very successful season in Sydney (where the production is currently playing) Don Giovanni is set to open in Melbourne on Friday 2 December, 2011 at the State Theatre, the Arts Centre.

‘The Don’ is well renowned for making the ladies swoon and Teddy Tahu Rhodes, with all his charisma and charm, will be baring his soul (and his chest) for audiences in Melbourne.

“Getting into the role of Don Giovanni requires my full attention as there is an intensity”, explains Tahu Rhodes “It really gets my body going!”

Directed by Goran Jarvefelt the Opera is performed in Italian with English surtitles. Under the baton of Musical Director Mark Wigglesworth are some very sexy and stylish Opera Australia cast including Taryn Fiebig as Zerlina and Teresa La Rocca as Donna Elvira.

Opera Australia is proud to introduce new young artists Nicole Car, making her debut in the role as Donna Anna taking over the role from Rachelle Durkin. Teresa La Rocca will also be making her debut when she takes on the larger than life Donna Elvira. David Parkins of Operatunity Oz fame will appear as the Commendatore and Stephen Smith (not to be confused with the politician) and Stephen Bennet will debut when taking over the roles of Don Ottavio and Leporello respectively.

This is a sexy opera and the sets and costumes lend to the overall arousing nature that enhance the quite beautifully composed arias by Mozart. There is a limited season at the Arts Centre so be sure you do not miss Teddy Tahu Rhodes in his tight black shorts!

Running time: Three hours including one twenty-minute interval.