FREEZE FRAME OPERA
The Princess & The Showgirl
(Adriana Lecouvreur By Cilea)
Freeze Frame Opera is a Perth-based not-for-profit opera company that celebrates opera and prides itself on creating new productions using outstanding local artists, growing opera audiences and interest in opera, and benefiting the whole community with its fresh approach to the art of opera and storytelling.
FFO was incorporated in May 2016. Our first performance took place in November 2016. On 22 June 2017 we received our tax-deductible gift receipt (DGR) status, allowing us to fundraise, apply for grants and other funding and engage with donors to continue bringing accessible opera to Western Australians. Since that first show in 2016, we have brought over 400 performances to the stage and employed more than 120 Western Australian based arts workers. Over the next five years we intend to bring 700 performances to Western Australia and provide 10,500 performance and creative opportunities to over 200 different artists and creatives.
Freeze Frame Opera acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation as the traditional owners and custodians of this beautiful land on which we are privileged to live, work, tell stories and dream.
FFO acknowledges with deep sorrow the stolen generations and the disproportionate incarceration of Aboriginal people.
FFO hopes for greater understanding and truthtelling about history and greater unity and equality for all Australians.
New York City, 1953
Actress Adriana Lecouvreur may be admired and loved by many, but she only has eyes for one:
Maurizio, a dashing soldier, to whom she gives a bouquet of violets to show her love before going on stage. Maurizio, however, is also having an affair the influential Mrs Prince. Maurizio tries to break off the affair in order to be with Adriana.
The two women soon become mutually suspicious, realising they are both in love with Maurizio. Feelings of jealousy and anger build up until a ferocious confrontation breaks out between them; after which Maurizio chooses Mrs Prince.
Believing Maurizio to be lost to her, a distraught Adriana refuses to go back on stage. In her solitude, Adriana is now at her most vulnerable; might Maurizio show up to save the day?
Act 1
Backstage on Broadway, shortly before curtain up on a play starring two great rivals.
Act 2
At Mr. Prince’s uptown apartment later on the same evening.
INTERVAL - 20 MINUTES
Act 3
At a soirée in Mr. Prince’s apartment.
Act 4
Backstage on Broadway some months later.
Adriana Lecouvreur
A celebrity and movie star; currently appearing in a serious play to prove her outstanding acting ability. She is in love with Maurizo but they have not yet gone public with their affair.
Maurizio
An ambitious politician, currently both serving in the US army and in congress. In addition to his affair with Adriana he is also secretly involved with Mr. Prince’s wife, who has both money and society connections.
The Princess
Trapped in a loveless marriage to Mr. Prince, she is in love with Maurizio and does not like to share.
The Prince
A rich, powerful and dangerous man with possible mafia connections. Married to “the Princess”, he is the theatre patron and is having an affair with actress La Duclos.
Miss Duclos - (known as La Duclos)
A famous stage actress sharing the star billing with Adriana. Having an affair with Mr. Prince, good friends with his wife. Constantly referenced in the opera but she appears only briefly.
Mr. Abate
Mr. Prince’s right-hand man and confidant of the Princess.
Mr. Michonnet
Theatre manager and old friend (and admirer) of Adriana.
Miss. Jouvenot, Miss. Dangeville, Mr. Poisson and Mr. Quinault
Actors, who have mixed feelings about playing second fiddle to both Adriana and La Duclos.
Act 1
The actors and the theatre manager prepare for a performance. Mr. Prince and his wife (known as “the Princess”) come backstage, accompanied by Mr. Abate. As Mr Prince and Mr. Abate flirt with the actresses, Adriana enters, rehearsing her scene, and all are transfixed by her star quality. The play is about to begin, Michonnet checks on Miss Duclos and tells Mr. Prince that she was writing a letter. Mr. Prince, suspicious of his lover Miss Duclos, instructs Abate to intercept the letter. Left alone with Adriana, Michonnet nearly proposes but is stopped when she confides that she is in love with Maurizio, a soldier who is coming to the theatre to watch her performance.
Maurizio arrives, declaring his love for Adriana, and the two arrange to meet after the performance. Adriana gives him a bouquet of violets as a pledge of her love. Adriana and Miss. Duclos make
their entrance onto the stage. During the performance, Mr. Prince intercepts the letter from Miss Duclos, in which she asks for a meeting with Maurizio. He is to meet her later that evening at their apartment. Determined to expose his seemingly unfaithful mistress, Mr. Prince invites the actors to his appartment for a party after the show. Unknown to him, Miss Duclos has written the letter on behalf of the Princess, who was having an affair with Maurizio.
Maurizio, receiving the letter, decides to meet the Princess who has helped him pursue his political ambitions. He sends a note to Adriana to cancel their appointment. Adriana is upset but is cheered to hear that Maurizio will be at the afterparty. She is given a key to the backdoor so she can, if necessary, let herself out to unseen.
Act 2
The Princess waits for Maurizio, unsure if he will come, paranoid that he no longer loves her. When he arrives she accuses him of being held up by another woman, pointing to the violets which Maurizio then pretends are for her. Mollified, she updates him on his precarious political situation, warning him that he has powerful enemies. Grateful for her help, he reluctantly admits that he no longer loves her. Mr. Prince arrives expecting to catch Maurizio with Miss Duclos and the Princess hides in the room next door.
As Adriana arrives, Mr. Prince and Abate leave, locking the doors to prevent Miss. Duclos from escaping.
Adriana forgives Maurizio for having stood her up but her suspicions are raised when she hears Abate tell Michonnet that Miss. Duclos is in the apartment. He assures her that the woman hiding next door is
not Miss Duclos. His meeting with her, he says, was purely political and they must arrange for her escape. Trusting him, Adriana agrees. In the ensuing confusion, neither Adriana nor the Princess recognize each other, but by the few words that are spoken each woman realises that the other is in love with Maurizio. Adriana is determined to discover the identity of her rival, but the Princess escapes, losing her bracelet on her way out.
Act 3
Preparations are underway for a small soiree, the Princess wonders who her rival might be. Guests arrive, among them Michonnet and Adriana. The Princess recognizes Adriana’s voice as that of the woman who helped her escape. Her suspicions are confirmed when she pretends Maurizio has been wounded in a duel and Adriana almost faints. She recovers quickly, however, when Maurizio enters uninjured and entertains the guests with tales of his military exploits.
During the entertainment the Princess and Adriana confront each other, in growing recognition that they are rivals. The Princess mentions the violets, and Adriana in turn produces the bracelet, which Mr. Prince identifies as his wife’s. To distract attention, the Princess suggests that Adriana should recite a monologue. Adriana chooses a passage from Phèdre, in which the heroine denounces sinners and adulterous women, a deliberate insult to the Princess. The Princess is determined to have her revenge, and insists that Maurizio stay with her.
Act 4
Devastated by losing Maurizio, Adriana has retired from the stage and is drinking heavily. Michonnet tries to manage her mood by offering various medications. As it is her birthday she is visited by her theatre colleagues who impart some gossip and try to persuade her to return to the stage. A box is delivered, labelled “from Maurizio.” When Adriana opens it, she finds the withered bouquet of violets she had once given him and is devastated at his cruelty. Moments later, Maurizio arrives, summoned by Michonnet. He apologises for his past infidelities and asks Adriana to marry him. She joyfully accepts but suddenly the toxic combination of substances begins to take its toll. Michonnet and Maurizio realise that she is beyond help and Adriana dies; dreaming once more of being on the stage.
Director’s Notes
Adrienne Lecouvreur (1692–1730) was a celebrity; an actress at the ComédieFrançaise, Paris, whose extraordinary talent and charm opened doors to high society but whose tumultuous personal life made her notorious. Maurice of Saxony (1696–1750) was the illegitimate son of the future king of Poland and legendary as both a soldier and a lover. He participated in the Battle of Malplaquet at age 12 and fathered his first known child at 13. Maurice and Adrienne had a passionate affair for nine years, during which time she sold her jewellery to fund his private army and help his campaign for political power. Back in Paris, a jealous duchess, wanting Maurice for herself, bribed a claque to harass Adrienne during a performance of Phèdre. The actress, however, spewed the lines of the play back at her rival, who is said to have run out of the theatre in distress. Shortly afterward,
Adrienne died under mysterious circumstances. It was inevitable that such a tale would find its way to the stage.
Adriana Lecouvreur the opera premiered in 1902 but despite its soaring tunes and gloriously singable score this opera has always been on the fringes of the mainstream repertoire; a fact that is commonly attributed to its melodramatic and convoluted plot. Consequently our main focus with this production has been clarity. Musical director Tommaso Pollio and I have worked together to cut some of the more marginal plot points whilst still maintaining the heart of the music. I have also attempted throw light on one of the of the most confusing elements of the story, to distinguish between Adriana’s two rivals; her theatrical nemesis, La Duclos (who does not really appear in the opera but is constantly referenced) and
the Princess, with whom she is competing for Maurizio’s affection. Opera deaths frequently require a major suspension of disbelief and Adriana has a famously unlikely end when she is dramatically poisoned by some dead flowers. I have chosen to leave the cause of death more ambiguous and, I hope in the process, more believable.
The story is timeless and could be set in any era but I decided to set the opera in 1953, in New York city for two main reasons. Firstly due to the iconic fashion and styling that I knew designer Rhi Walker would embrace, and also because the story with its clash of celebrity with high society, not to mention tragic outcomes, reminded me of the Marilyn Monroe, Kennedy era when show business and politics were famously interwoven.
It has been an absolute pleasure working with such a delightful cast and crew and a privilege to bring this wonderful opera to the West Australian public for the first time.
Director - Penny Shaw
Set list
Act 1
“Michonnet Su, Michonnet” (Michonnet)
“Ecco: respiro appena… Io son l’umile ancella” (Adriana)
“La dolcissima effigie sorridente” (Maurizio/Adriana)
“un Gaio Festino” (Sextet)
“Bene! Benissimo!” (Michonnet)
Act 2
“Acerba voluttà, dolce tortura” (the Princess)
“L’anima ho stanca” (Maurizio)
“Ah! Che Giova?” (Maurizio/Adriana)
“non risponde? aprite?” (Adriana/The Princess)
Act 3
“Che il dio d’amore” (Abate/The Princess)
“il Russo Mèncikoff” (Maurizio)
“Bel pastor di Frigia” (Chorus and Ballet)
“la Scena di Richiamo di Fedra” (Adriana)
Act 4
“Bambina. Non ti crucciar” (Michonnet/Adriana)
“Una volta, c’era un Principe” (Quartet)
“Poveri fiori” (Adriana)
“Perdona! Perdona l’oblio d’un instante” (Maurizio/Adriana)
“Ecco la Luce” (Adriana)
THE CAST
The Princess - Nicole Youl
Maurizio - Rosario La Spina
Adriana Lecouvreur - Hattie Marshall
The Prince – Brett Peart
Mr. Michonnet - Robert Hofmann
Miss. Jouvenot – Emma Pettemerides
Mr. Abate – Kohsei Gilkes
Mr. Quinault – Ben del Borrello/Lachie Higgins
Mr. Poisson – Noah Humich
Miss. Dangeville – Ruth Burke
Miss. Duclos – Jillian Halleron
Dancer – Zoe Lancaster
THE BAND (QUATTRO FORMAGGI)
Fisarmonica - Cathie Fontina Travers
Clarinetto - Geoffrey Gorgonzola Bourgault
Violoncello - Sophie Mozzarella Curtis
Piano - Tommaso Parmigiano Pollio
THE CREW
Director - Penny Shaw
Musical Director - Tommaso Pollio
Set and Costume Design - Rhiannon Walker
Lighting Design – Jerry Reinhardt
Stage and Production Manager - Stephen Carr
Deputy Stage and Production – Danika Bentley
Surtitle Operator – Allison Fyfe
Hair and Makeup – Virginia Vona
Artistic Director – Harriet Marshall
General Manager – Adele Williamson
Graphic Design – George Bayly
Photography – Vin Trikeriotis
Front of House – Jessica Blunt
Our upcoming program:
August/September
• Adriana Lecouvreur 31 August 2023 – 3 September 2023, Fremantle Town Hall
November
• The Little Prince, collaboration with WAYV, Fremantle Town Hall, 24-26 November
• The Young Trucker’s Concert, Holmes a Court Gallery - 3rd Nov
December
• Christmas at the Quarry 14 – 17 December 2023
Our Supporters
Your generosity makes magic, Thank you to everyone who made The Princess & The Showgirl possible.
Principal Partner
The McCusker Charitable Foundation
Government Partner
City of Fremantle
Sustainability Partner
ABEC
Audit Partner
Stantons
FFO Board & Patron
Janet Holmes à Court AC (Patron), Gilbert George (Chair), Sara van den Hoogen (Secretary), Kerrie-Anne King (Treasurer), Deborah Attard-Portughes, Sara Macliver, Laurie Shervington, Harriet Marshall
Production Donors
Allison Fyfe, Angela Roberts, Annabel Lane, Annie Fang, Annie Patrick, Annie
Silberstein, Audrey Lombardi, Bedley Holdings Pty Ltd, Ben & Elle Statham,
Bernadette Naughton, Bonnie Staude, Brittney Wallcot, Bruce & Charmaine
Cameron, Caitlin Cassidy, Caitlin Forrest, Catherine Cole, Charis Postmus, Chris
Marshall, Christine Burson, Christine Lawson-Smith, City of Fremantle, Dalkeith
School of Music, David & Ros Minchin, Debra Peart, Denise Fairclough, Di Collins, Diana Teplyj, Doug & Clare Kerr, Fiona Campbell, Frances Cassidy, Gilbert George, Gillian Lilleyman, Gordon & Bev Martin, Graham Droppert & Kathryn Hogan, Hannah
Etherington Flowers, Hannah Lane, HIP Co, Howard & Lindsey Read, Jack Pearson, Janet Holmes à Court AC, JCDecaux, Jen & Ian Marshall, Jillian Halleron, Joe
O’Shannessy, John McKay & Claire Brittain OAM, John Turner, Judy McGuinness, Julian Cope, Kate Hamilton, Keiko Uno Jewellery, Leeanda Paino, Liberty Theatre, Linda Savage, Liz & John Mair, Liz & Tom Perrott, Lorraine Copley, Maizan & Peter
Ahern, Marco Dorsogna & Terry Scott, Margaret Stockton, Margaret Taylor, Margrete
Helgeby Chaney & Michael Chaney AO, Mary Townsend, Mary-Alice Paton, McCusker
Charitable Foundation, Meg O’Neill & Vicky Hayes, Michael & Helen Tuite, Myrtle Ivy
Cafe, Namami Yoga, Nicole Iffla, Nicole Youl, Olivia Humphrey, Paul Kotsoglo, Paul
Robinson, Pennie & David Hall, Peta Gourlay, Peter & Leslie Davies, Peter & Stella
Blaxell, Phil Thick & Paula Rogers, Pilates Scarborough, Randal & Monique Humich, Richard Gorham, Rick Camins, Rosalind Smith, Ruth Shean, Salsa Rossa Restaurant, Sara Macliver, Sarah & Rob Lovegrove, Shirley Egan, Stantons, Stephanie Nicholls, Steven Heath, Susan Gillett, Susan Robinson, Tanya Watt, Terrace Gardener, Tessa
La Mela, Tracy O’Shannessy, Trik Photography, Vasse Felix, Warwick Hemsley AO.
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Young artist awards 2023
Ben Del Borello -
2023 Rogers & Thick award
Benjamin Del Borrello graduated from WAAPA in 2022. At WAAPA he played “John Styx”, Orpheus in the Underworld, “Sergeant of Police”, The Pirates of Penzance and “Peter” in Hansel and Gretel. Benjamin is extremely grateful to be the recipient of the 2023 Rogers & Thick Award and is delighted to be taking on the role of “Figaro” in Rapunzel with FFO.
Lachlan Higgins2022 Rogers & Thick award
Lachlan Higgins is one of Freeze Frame Opera’s Young Artists and the 2022 recipient of the Rogers and Thick Award. This year with FFO, he has been heavily involved in the Street Serenades as well as playing the roles of Schaunard in La Bohème and Bello in La Fanciulla del West.
Sophia Wasley2023 Rising Star
In 2018 W.A.A.P.A graduate, Sophia Wasley played the role of Yniold in the Victorian Opera’s production of ‘Pelleas et Melisande’ and in 2019, the role of Fredrika Armfeldt in V.O’s production of ‘A Little Night Music’. Next year she’ll be playing the role of Little Red Riding Hood, in the West Australian Opera’s production of ‘Into The Woods’
Ruth Burke2023 Rising Star
Ruth Burke is an Irish-Australian Mezzo-soprano who recently graduated from WAAPA. Highlights so far have included playing “La Ciesca” and “La Zelatrice” (Angels and Devils) for FFO and “Hansel”, (Hansel and Gretel) for both WAAPA and FFO. In 2022 Ruth will be playing the role of “Rapunzel” (Rosina), in the FFO schools tour of Rapunzel.
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