As Sydney preps to exit a very lengthy lockdown, news of festivals, concerts, theatre, and more is starting to hit our culture-starved inboxes. This week, Opera Australia dropped the 2022 program for its outdoor opera spectaculars—and first up for the year ahead? The Phantom of the Opera, just casually.
It's Broadway's longest-running musical and has been seen by hundreds of millions of people—but not quite like this. This bespoke presentation, approved by Andrew Lloyd Weber, of course, will be performed outdoors on an overwater stage, with the sparkly Sydney Harbour at twilight as its backdrop.
Handa Opera on the Harbour – The Phantom of the Opera will hit Sydney in March 2022 and is a follow-up to Opera Australia's other awe-inspiring harbourside performances, La Traviata and West Side Story among them. Expect a souped-up version of your typical night at the opera—like pop-up bars and restaurants to visit pre-show as the sun sets, and a fireworks display to wrap up the night too.
This rendition of The Phantom of the Opera will be led by two of Australia's most sought-after theatre talents: director Simon Phillips and designer Gabriela Tylesova. Both will be upscaling the musical to fill the sky and the harbour and Opera Australia's now-famous overwater stage.
Later in the year, Opera Australia will be keeping the outdoor vibes alive and thriving, expanding to Cockatoo Island for a large-scale production of Carmen. Here, you'll be able to watch from the island, where you'll find pop-up restaurants and bars, or book a mooring to watch from your own boat. Island tickets will also come with the option to stay the night at Cockatoo Island's glamping tents or harbour view apartments.
If you're new to opera or looking for a new way to revisit the opera greats—these outdoor spectaculars will be your ticket in 2022.
Tickets go on sale in November. More info is here.
The Details
What: Handa Opera on the Harbour – The Phantom of the Opera
When: 25 March - 24 April 2022
Where: Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point
Tickets: On sale in November—join the waitlist here
Now, check out the massive multi-sensory space exploration exhibition coming to Sydney in November.
Image credit: Opera Australia