Blue Mountains News

Directed and translated to English by John Wregg, and starring Catherine Bouchier, Christopher Tonkin, Joshua Oxley and Sharolyn Kimmorley, the performances will be held on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 November at the Lithgow Union Theatre.

Gaetano Donizetti composed the comic opera, RITA in 1841 for the Opera Comique in Paris.

After a slow start, and then being lost for many years, the opera was discovered amongst his belongings and ultimately performed at the Paris Opera Comique in 1860 under the title ‘Rita, or the Battered Husband’.

It grew in popularity over time to become one of Donizetti’s most frequently performed operas.

The director, John Wregg has created a new translation in English and set the opera in a ‘local’ guest house in the 1950’s.

“I think this is going to be a fantastic event for our community,” said the Mayor Maree Statham. “Rita promises to be a great night of entertainment and a lot of fun. I can’t wait and I encourage everyone, opera lovers or not to get their tickets soon.”    

The Performers

Sharolyn Kimmorley is musical director,

Australian born and internationally recognized soprano, Catherine Bouchier performs in the title role of Rita.

The role of her brow beaten husband Beppe, will be performed by Joshua Oxley.

As Gesparo, Rita’s ex-husband, is Australian baritone Christopher Tonkin.

Ticket prices are $60 and $45 concession including pre-show entertainment, light food and with drinks available for purchase.  Tickets are only available online at here