Stars of Opera Australia's West Side Story, Nina Korbe as Maria, with Billy Bouchier as Tony
photo courtesy Opera Australia
one of the other stars of the show is Sydney Harbour as the backdrop
photo courtesy Opera Australia
Rehearsals in preparation for opening night of Opera Australia's West Side Story
photo courtesy Opera Australia
Opera Australia brings ‘West Side Story’ to Sydney Harbour. The show will be headed by two young Australian performers in the musical roles as Tony and Maria.
‘We are so excited to have these two fabulous Australian talents lead this production, audiences are going to be thrilled by their talent and energy on stage,’ says Opera Australia’s Artistic Director Jo Davies. ‘We want to be an opera company for, and reflective of, 21st century Australia. The full cast… features a diverse range of extraordinary talents drawn from both the opera and musical theatre worlds.’
Making her theatrical debut as Maria is award-winning First Nations soprano Nina Korbe. She is a proud Koa, Kuku Yalanji, and Wakka Wakka woman. Nina joined Queensland Youth Orchestra as their Artist in Residence and Opera Queensland as a Young Artist, performing in concert with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
Canberra-born tenor Billy Bourchier is taking on the role of Tony. Billy’s role as Tony follows his performances in other major musicals, including the highly acclaimed Miss Saigon, Candide, The Pirates of Penzance, Les Miserables, The Last First Years, and The Book of Mormon.
‘West Side Story’ is a smash-hit musical production, set in Manhattan in the 1950s, inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Opera Australia’s production of ‘West Side Story’ premiered in 2019, and has been the most successful of all displays at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is known for its beautiful location on the water, allowing attendees to witness the exquisite outdoor stage with view of both our fair city and the harbour. ‘West Side Story’ will feature nightly fireworks, a live orchestra, and a cast full of talented performers to bring Jerome Robbins and Leonard Bernstein’s masterpiece to life.
‘West Side Story’ will be at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour for a four week session, from the 22nd of March to the 21st of April. Tickets are available.
For more information, visit opera.org.au/productions/west-side-story-on-sydney-harbour
