Enjoy Offenbach’s comic retelling of how the Trojan war began. The ridiculous plot follows Paris’ wooing of the beautiful Helene. The piece takes place in mythical Greece, with larger-than-life characters caught in improbable situations.

Opera at USC’s production is sung in French and features the witty English dialogue by Donald Pippin. The student performers – freshman to doctoral candidates – have been working on the show since the fall semester and will be ready to take the stage at Drayton Hall on Friday, February 25. The role of Hélène will be shared by Minors of Music students Payton Park and Meredith Howell. Paris is sung by James Allen. Senior business major, Manoli Stavrinakis is featured as the cranky old Auger, Calchus. Doctor of Musical Arts candidates Ben Stonger as Agamemnon and Veronica Rice as Ajax. The production is supported by an outstanding cast of 25 students. The U of SC Symphony Opera Cohort is led by Mr. Neil Casey.

Ellen Douglas Schlaefer, Director
Neil Casey, Conductor
Dr. Lynn Kompass, Musical Preparation
Nate Terracio, Scenic Design
Heather Gonzalez, Costume Design
Julie Duro, Lighting Design
Luke Browder, Chorus Master