Twenty-five years after Nick Hornby’s iconic book was first published, Highbury Opera Theatre have announced the casting for thier upcoming production of Fever Pitch the Opera which is to be presented from 22- 24 September 2017.
Exploring Hornby’s obsession with Arsenal Football Club, Nick has given his blessing to the north london company to create and perform an original musical production based on his novel.
Composer Scott Stroman and librettist Tamsin Collison have re-imagined it as a comedy/drama with musical styles ranging from classical and jazz to terrace chants and folk-rock.
The lead role of Gooner will be performed by Robin Bailey, Gooner’s fellow fan Rat will be performed by Nick Allen, and Mezzo-Soprano Joanna Harries performs the role of Girl, a role which embodies a number of the women in Gooner’s life.
Completing the principal cast is Robert Gildon as Gooner’s father. Supporting the principal cast is a large community cast including a children’s chorus of 40, drawn from local schools.
Scott Stroman said: “This will be the opera for people who think that they don’t like opera. Though much of it is closer to a ‘musical’ in style, the music never stops, and like all operas it is driven by the emotions of its main character. Opera is all about the turmoil of its characters, and football provides as much drama, turmoil and comedy as any subject.”
Fever Pitch the Opera will be presented at the Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, London N1 2UN.
