‘The Desert Song’ is full of romance, intrigue and glorious melodies

The opera/musical theater program will present the allure and mystery of the Middle East, captured in glorious melody in the romantic operetta "The Desert Song" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, March 9-11, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 12, in Miller Concert Hall.

"The Desert Song," about an English lady’s adventures after she is abducted by an "Arab chieftain," was written in 1926 by Sigmund Romberg, who omposed more than 60 works in his lifetime including operettas and musical comedies. The musical was written in collaboration with Otto Harbach, Oscar Hammerstein II and Frank Mandel.

Mild-mannered nerd Pierre turns himself into the dashing Red Shadow by night, fighting the dastardly French on behalf of Arab independence and wooing and winning feisty Margot, the woman of his dreams. Intrigues of love and foreign legion politics are set among the harems and tents of French Morocco.

In addition to the gorgeous "Desert Song" of the title, the lush score includes "One Alone," "Romance" and "It."

This delightful production is fun for the entire family, says opera/musical theater director Marie King.

The operetta is directed by Linda Starkey, WSU assistant professor, and the music is conducted by Robert Glasmann, associate professor. The choreographer is Sabrina Vasquez, dance instructor, and set designer is Brad Reissig, assistant professor. Costumes are by Charla Sanderson and lighting is by Sean Roberson.

Although "The Desert Song" opened to mixed critical reviews, it caught on with the public and continues to be a popular show. Hollywood has made three films of the operetta (1929, 1943, and 1953).

In 1987, celebrating the centenary of Romberg’s birth, the New York City Opera staged a lavish production with Richard White and Linda Michele who were featured in Music Theatre of Wichita’s 1992 production.

The longevity of this show attests to Romberg’s universal appeal. When asked about musical trends Romberg replied, "I don’t care what the form is. But a melody is still a melody. Nothing succeeds like a popular tune, a romantic tune. Romantic music will never die because deep at the roots of all people is the theme of love."

Tickets can be reserved by calling 978-3233. Prices start at $12, with discounts for the WSU community.