Opera Queensland’s genre-crossing new production, Are You Lonesome Tonight, will visit Warwick performing for one night only at the Warwick Showgrounds on Friday 4th June as part of a seven-week tour of regional and remote Queensland.

Are You Lonesome Tonight weaves a story about life on the road through the arias of composers such as Puccini and Verdi and songs by Slim Dusty and Dolly Parton, directed by Laura Hansford alongside designer Penny Challen, the star studded cast includes Irena Lysiuk, Marcus Corowa and Jonathan Hickey.

The cabaret-style production explores the extraordinary qualities and surprising similarities of opera and country music while traveling more than 7000km to play close to 30 communities, making it the most significant regional tour in the company’s history and a fitting centrepiece to Opera Queensland’s 40th birthday celebrations.

Are You Lonesome Tonight director Laura Hansford said the tour is equal parts a celebration of opera and of country tunes, forming a creative and eclectic ensemble of iconic music.

“There is something for everybody, we love that audiences will get a mix of both opera and country music and a bit of something in between,” Ms Hansford said. “Our premise for Are You Lonesome Tonight is to just to play good music, no matter where that sits or where it comes from. Good music doesn’t belong to a genre; it belongs to the people and the landscapes that we will be embracing wholeheartedly when we perform to audiences across Queensland.”

The state-wide tour was made possible through a partnership with Beef Australia and continues Opera Queensland’s deep commitment to regional audiences. Opera Queensland Director of Learning, Regional and Community Mark Taylor said the company looks forward to engaging with audiences in Warwick. “Opera Queensland’s partnership with Beef Australia sprang from our shared belief in delivering culture, entertainment and joy across regional Queensland, particularly following such a profound period of drought,” Mr Taylor said.

“Pairing opera and country music is not a gimmick; the two genres have a great deal in common. Artists, composers and librettists across both art forms understand the power of storytelling and share many common themes of profound love, heartache and triumph in the face of adversity. It’s said country music is about lovin’, fightin’, drinkin’ and cussin’ and aside from the cussin’, that nicely sums up opera too. This show is designed to be experienced outdoors” Mr Taylor said.

Beef Australia Chair Bryce Camm said the organisation is proud to partner with Opera Queensland for the unique opportunity to present the world premiere season of Are You Lonesome Tonight. “This exciting partnership celebrates the diversity which exists across our sector. We look forward to bringing some joy and entertainment to regional Queenslanders as the production hits the road for an impressive tour,” Mr Camm said.

Come in your jeans and boots or your tuxedos and ball gowns – this is opera at its most diverse, accessible and exciting.