Oklahoma to test Opera House

Due to the good progress on the restoration and upgrade project to date, the Oamaru Opera House & Oamaru Operatic Society announces the staging of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma in November 2008 as part of a shakedown period for the Oamaru Opera House.

 

Richard McWha, Director, Oamaru Opera House says, “the ability to thoroughly test the opera house using the skills of the Operatic Society is a fantastic opportunity to evaluate the venue and its systems prior to the opening in February.”

 

Oamaru Operatic Society representative Terry Kent is thrilled the society has been invited to ‘break in’ the new theatre and isn’t fazed by the challenges of new technology in what is essentially a new theatre backstage, “We have a very talented member base who can cope with the task of testing a venue in front of live audiences without compromising the quality for which the Society has been known. The Operatic Society will then provide valuable feedback on issues needing to be resolved before the February opening festival.”

 

The redevelopment project of the Oamaru Opera House includes historic restoration as well as a technology fit out to make the venue usable for national tours as well as suitable for community use, including functions ranging from meeting space through to weddings.

 

Mr. McWha says this is an ideal sneak preview for the public to see what the Opera House will look like by February, but stresses the venue will not be finished or completely open in November. “The selective number of events being held in the November to February shakedown period are designed to test, find faults and identify issues prior to the opera house opening in February. It is however a fantastic opportunity to take part in a dress rehearsal of a venue and we relish the chance to smell the wet paint and enjoy a music theatre classic.”