Story: Opera and musical theatre

A local production of Rose Marie

A local production of Rose Marie

In the 1950s and 1960s even small towns had operatic societies that could marshall enough performers and backstage workers to stage ambitious productions. This is a scene from the Levin Operatic Society production of Rudolf Friml’s Rose Marie in 1959. Elaborately painted scenery and props evoke the French-Canadian setting, and a glimpse of the conductor's baton in the foreground suggests that the society managed to assemble an orchestra as well as a large cast.

Using this item

Kete Horowhenua, Horowhenua Historical Society
Reference: 2000.028.0051

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How to cite this page:

Lindis Taylor, 'Opera and musical theatre - Light opera and musical theatre', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/41876/a-local-production-of-rose-marie (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Lindis Taylor, published 22 Oct 2014