Name:

Character

Voice

Orpheus

The eponymous hero of the piece. Orpheus has two passions: His violin and his violin students. He is totally fed up with his wife Eurydice who doesn’t appreciate him, or his music. If it wasn’t for what people would think, he’d get a divorce!

Tenor + dialogue

Eurydice

Wilful, independent, vibrant, sexy. Eurydice has no time for Orpheus and his wretched violin playing. She is enjoying an affair with Aristaeus (actually Pluto) in Act 1, seduced by Jupiter in Act 2 and then finally falls for another God. Vocal gymnast. Exceptionally demanding soprano role, but huge fun and a real tour de force. YouTube Natalie Dessay for inspiration!

Coloratura Soprano + dialogue

Pluto (disguised as Aristeus at beg. Act 1)

Extremely naughty and carnivorous ruler of Hades. He tricks Eurydice into accompanying him to Hades and goads the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus with his BBQ food. Devilish, arrogant.

Baritone + dialogue

Public Opinion

Strong, domineering representation of Public Opinion. Guardian of moral values. Not happy with the adulterous behaviour of either mortals or Gods

Mezzo/Contralto + dialogue

Cupid

God of Love; Cheeky, insatiable, flirty! Has a lot to do in this version, especially in Act 2 where ‘he’ arrives with his Love Police to help Jupiter find Eurydice. Usually cast representative of a young boy; so young, or short, or both!

Soprano (female) +  a few lines of dialogue

Venus

Cupid’s mother, Goddess of Love. Arrives with a hangover having spent the evening making love on earth. Sensuous and an expert on the correct way of kissing.

Soprano +  a few lines of dialogue

Diana

Goddess of hunting and virginity.

Soprano +  a few lines of dialogue

Dr Morpheus

God of sleep and the Gods’ psychotherapist.

Baritone +  a few lines of dialogue

Jupiter

Father of the Gods and a reprobate. Seduces mortals by metamorphosing into different animals. Chastises his children to behave whilst setting an appalling example himself. Desperately tries to appease his wife. Has a fabulous ‘Fly Duet’ where he buzzes his way into Eurydice’s affections, arms, etc, etc!

Baritone +dialogue

Juno

Jupiter’s long suffering wife. Totally fed up with his shenanigans.  Comedy role*

Mezzo + dialogue

Mars

God of War. Loud, thick and inappropriate. Gooses girls in pubs and is surprised when he gets a slap! Thankfully he is more brawn than brain so doesn’t quite understand why they’re upset and just carries on as usual.

Bass-baritone

John Styx

A man with a secret and a varied wardrobe!

Baritone + dialogue

Mercury

Winged messenger of the gods. Fast. Athletic.

Tenor +  dialogue

Bacchus

God of wine, partying and generally having a good time.

Minerva

Goddess of Wisdom. Bookish.

 Soprano