Act One

The Marschallin, a well-known actress, has troubled dreams but wakes to find Octavian, her young lover, beside her. Their rapturous love is interrupted by the day's commitments. Octavian is forced to hide as the Marschallin's entourage arrives. They prepare her for her interview and photo shoot with a paparazzi-esque pair. A bombastic entrance by Baron Ochs, an impresario, disrupts the shoot. He proudly displays a photo of Sophie, his future bride, and a silver rose, the traditional gift to one's fiance. The Baron seeks a noble emissary to present the rose and Octavian is horrified as the Marschallin nominates him! Baron Ochs approves, and in his clumsy enthusiasm knocks over a screen, revealing Octavian, now disguised as the Marschallin's maid. Fiance forgotten, Baron Ochs' amorous eyes turn to the 'maid' and the Marschallin is forced to intervene. Finally alone with the Marschallin, Octavian tries to re-ignite their passion but she, in darker mood, bids him leave and is left with her melancholy doubts.

Act Two

In Faninal's palatial ballroom the betrothal ceremony is in full swing. A fanfare, and Baron Ochs enters with his emissary Octavian, who will offer the silver rose to Faninal's daughter, Sophie. As Octavian's noble presentation brings him closer to Sophie, his confidence vanishes – the two are clearly overcome with love. Baron Ochs, sensing this, crudely hastens procedures by manhandling the reluctant Sophie, removing Octavian and signing the marriage contract with Faninal. Sophie is left alone and heartbroken. As the celebration continues on the terrace, Octavian sneaks back to be reunited with her. Their rapture is interrupted by the ubiquitous paparazzi who, delighted with their photo scoop, inform the Baron and demand payment – he refuses. The Baron then sets his henchmen onto Octavian but both they and the Baron come out worse for the encounter. Faninal, in vain, tries to placate the disgruntled Baron by guaranteeing Sophie's hand. It is only the mysterious re-appearance of the Marschallin's 'maid' and the promise of an assignation – a plot devised by the paparazzi – that restores the Baron's lusty spirits.

Act Three

Octavian is at the Rose and Thistle Inn, nervously awaiting the Baron's arrival. The paparazzi 'arrange' the room with the innkeeper and his staff, anticipating their sweet revenge. Skilful transformation, and Octavian again becomes the 'maid'. On a cue from the watchful innkeeper the plotters leave as Baron Ochs enters for his 'rendezvous'. He quickly dismisses the innkeeper and the seduction commences – but not quite as the Baron imagines! With every strange occurrence, Baron Ochs' paranoia mounts and the theatrical events climax with the arrival of Sophie, Faninal, a woman who claims to be Baron Och's wife, her three screaming children, and the police! It is into this mayhem that the Marschallin enters. She assesses this strange 'ship of fools' and, taking control, warns the Baron to leave with what remains of his dignity, then encourages Faninal to bless the young lovers. Ever the actress, the Marschallin reassures Octavian that to love Sophie is both acceptable and inevitable. When the happy lovers disappear, she finds herself in the shadow of young love, facing her memories, alone.

Nightly casting is available approximately two weeks before the season begins.

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Single tickets go on sale to the general public on 12 February 2010

Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Circular Quay
Sydney NSW 2000

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