What happens when you combine Greek myth and Italian farce?? Two operas within an opera:Richard Strauss and Hugo von Hofmannsthall’s ARIADNE AUF NAXOS–a BOSTON LYRIC OPERA presentation of Welsh National Opera’s hilarious and moving production!

It all begins when the”richest man in Vienna”commissions not one, but two works for his guests, AND a whizbang fireworks display. When the performers start arguing about about which performance goes first,the Majordomo(A.R.T.’s Will LeBow)announces that to save time– both works will be performed SIMULTANEOUSLY!!

So while Ariadne is singing her heart out onstage because Theseus has left her stranded on Naxos, commedia dell’arte buffoons Zerbinetta and her four suitors, try to cheer her up with all manner of frisky shenanigans. She’s having none of it– until the hunky Bacchus arrives in a tight shirt, and his godhead envelops her radiance…you get the picture. And what a picture! It all culminates in a transcendant image adapted from Schinkel’s famous 19th c. stage set for THE MAGIC FLUTE :a waterfall of light beams washes over the lovers, while the audience cheers the vocal pyrotechnics, Strauss’s limpidly beautiful score, and Von Hoffmannstahl’s wacky but triumphant libretto!!

Don’t worry–there are subtitles. AND you have one more chance to see it:
Tuesday March 23, Shubert Theatre 7:30PM! blo.org