Two one-act operas, one hardly ever seen, should definitely be worth catching. With its high-octane jazz and scat-infused score, Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti is an acerbic exposé of the American Dream set in 1950s suburbia. Peter Coleman-Wright and Cheryl Barker play Sam and Dinah, a couple on the verge, if ever there was one. By contrast, Ferruccio Busoni’s Arlecchino (Harlequin) is a musical farce set in the topsy-turvy world of 18th-century commedia dell’arte. Andy Leonard takes on the speaking role of the titular trickster. Christine Logan directs, with a 15-piece chamber orchestra conducted by Peter Alexander.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Get ready for a night of laughs, lies, and suburban secrets in this lively double bill of one-act operas:

Trouble in Tahiti—exposes the cracks in 1950’s suburbia. Behind the perfect marriage, Sam and Dinah are drifting apart—lost in silence and longing. An early Bernstein work, based on his parents, Bernstein uses superb vocals, lush tunes and a cheeky chorus to conjure up a day in the lives of this seemingly “perfect couple”.

Arlecchino—marks a complete change of setting and pace. Busoni revives the colourful world of commedia dell’arte, while cleverly satirising opera’s grand conventions. It is a sharp, slapstick comedy where the clever Harlequin lies, cheats, and charms his way through chaos in 18th-century Italy. Think disguises, mistaken identities, and nonstop mischief!