The Light Opera Company of Southern Maryland takes aim at the ancient world of Greek mythology and modern social and political mores with its production this summer of Orpheus in the Underworld, a comic opera by Jacques Offenbach, in an English version by Thomas Petiet.  Although Offenbach's targets were C. W. Gluck's opera "Orfeo ed Eurydice", as well as the politics and society of France in the mid 1800's, his barbs still hit close to home in 21^st century America.

The dramatic and tragic myth of the musician Orpheus, who has lost his beloved Eurydice to Pluto, the god of the Underworld, and whose playing brought the gods to tears, is retold in this opera as a quarreling married couple on the verge of divorce.  Eurydice is lured to the Underworld by Pluto, to Orpheus's great relief, but Public Opinion insists that he appeal to the gods to allow him to retrieve Eurydice.  Realizing that his career as a violinist and composer is at stake, he reluctantly follows Public Opinion to Mount Olympus, the abode of the gods and goddesses.  Sensing an opportunity to escape the boredom of Mt. Olympus, all the gods and goddesses threaten revolt unless Jupiter allows them to accompany Orpheus on his quest to the Underworld.  In a raucous bacchanal, where the revelry is heightened by the Galopp Infernal—known today as the "can can"—all comes to a satisfactory, if hedonistic, finale.

DATES AND TIMES:  AUGUST 1 AT 7:00 P.M.; AUGUST 2 AT 4:00 P.M.

PLACE:                       PORT TOBACCO PLAYERS THEATRE
                                    508 Charles St
                                    La Plata, MD 20646

TICKETS:                     (301) 934-6813 OR ONLINE AT www.ptplayers.com

GENERAL ADMISSION $25                        SENIORS, STUDENTS, MILITARY $20

Now in its fifth season, the Light Opera Company of Southern Maryland brings comic opera and musical theater of high standard to audiences in southern Maryland.  It is the first and only professional opera company specifically serving audiences in the southern Maryland region.  It also provides an opportunity for local aspiring opera and musical theater soloists and musicians to gain experience in professional productions close to home.  The Company offers two productions annually—a fully staged comic opera with orchestra in the summer, and a production of the full length family opera "Hansel and Gretel" by Engelbert Humperdinck at Christmastime, with free performances for local schools.