Opera and country and western might sound like curious musical bedfellows, but this quirky show was a hit for Opera Queensland back in 2021. Now, it’s touring nationally. Patrick Nolan’s clever concept mixes arias by the likes of Puccini and Verdi with classic country songs by Slim Dusty, Troy Cassar-Daley, Dolly Parton and others. Laura Hansford directs a show that balances genres with common roots, including tear-jerking balladry, narrative storytelling and the everyday triumphs of ordinary people. Musical Director Steve Russell conducts a hard-working cast of three: Marcus Corowa, Gabrielle Diaz and Jonathan Hickey.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

After its success across Regional Queensland in 2021, Are You Lonesome Tonight returns for a highly anticipated national tour.

A celebration of opera and country music, featuring arias and songs by Puccini, Verdi, Slim Dusty, Troy Cassar-Daley, Dolly Parton and more.

Pairing Opera and Country music is not a gimmick; the two genres have a great deal in common. Artists, composers and librettists across both artforms understand the power of storytelling, and feature many common themes of profound love, heartache, and triumph in the face of adversity.