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Comme à Vienne in Paris

23rd October 2006

A New Year's show with a difference arrives in the French capital on January 1st in the shape of the 'Comme à Vienne' opera.

The performance is in the finest tradition of satirical stage shows, its focus being the good-natured mocking of Vienna's famous New Year's Day concert. But the French version, now in its fifth year, is quickly turning into a beloved tradition itself.

'Comme à Vienne' is the brainchild of Jerome Savary, former head of the Grand Magical Orchestra. Savary brought the show to Paris and has directed it ever since, though 2007 will mark his final effort.

The opera, performed in the afternoon, takes place at the Salle Favart – and is part of the Opera Comique. Originally founded in 1714, the opera house's repertory is well known for its affectionate pastiches, and 'Comme à Vienne' is no different.

The opening scene initially follows a familiar pattern, with the familiar strains of Strauss' Blue Danube Waltz ringing out. But from there Savarythrows out the script, sending the music off in all directions, and encouraging performers to follow.

The traditions of the Opera Comique mean that actors can even indulge in the occasional aside to the audience, a conceit which gives the sense that the audience themselves are complicit in the tongue in cheek nature of the performance.

The level of humour is such that even those who have no knowledge of the Viennese shows can delight in this off-kilter opera, both hilarious and unique in its accurate send up of European operas of old.

© Adfero Ltd

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