Prepare to be entertained as Opera Australia (OA) brings back the sensational musical, West Side Story, to the stunning stage of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour in 2024. This highly-anticipated return comes with renewed partnerships with Dr. Haruhisa Handa’s International Foundation for Arts and Culture and Destination NSW.
If you missed West Side Story the first time around, you’re in for a treat. In 2019, the cast received thunderous applause and remains the most triumphant among all Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour productions. With over 65,000 tickets sold and record-breaking audience numbers, it’s a show you won’t want to miss.
The epic stage, vibrant costumes, and a stellar ensemble of talented singers and dancers are all set to return to the picturesque Mrs. Macquaries Point. This iconic location offers unrivalled views of Sydney’s iconic skyline, and to top it off, you can enjoy a nightly fireworks display. Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour continues to be one of the world’s most thrilling theatrical experiences, promising a night of pure magic under the stars.
Directed by Francesca Zambello, West Side Story brings a slice of New York City to Sydney Harbour with iconic song and dance numbers, thrilling audiences for a limited four-week season. Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s musical masterpiece will ring out across the Harbour and Jerome Robbins’ famed choreography will once again ignite the over-water stage.
OA CEO Fiona Allan welcomed the renewed commitment from the event’s long-standing partners.
“West Side Story is a theatrical phenomenon, as is Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. This combination has proved winning before and we highly anticipate it will again,” says OA CEO Fiona Allan.
Since its inaugural season in 2012, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has become a keenly anticipated and widely acclaimed mainstay of the city’s cultural calendar and is a testament to Dr Handa’s unwavering commitment to arts and culture in Australia.
“IFAC is very proud to continue this partnership with Opera Australia, bringing world-class performances with the most iconic backdrop of Sydney Harbour to present an unforgettable experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world,” says Dr Handa.
“Our shared vision and commitment to excellence in the performing arts has been the driving force of this enduring and inspiring partnership that has brought transformative musical experiences to thousands of people,” continued Dr Handa.
Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy a range of dining experiences, including fine dining with a view across the harbour or casual bites in the Garden Bar. It’s an event not to be missed and could also make for a very special birthday or Christmas gift.
Head to the Opera Australia website to find out more and to sign up for the presale.