Handa's Opera on the Harbour - Guys & Dolls

Every year, in part to the generosity of Dr Haruhisa Handa, there is a production by Opera Australia on the harbour with the stunning backdrop of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. 

This year it was not an opera but a musical - Guys & Dolls. As a kid, I loved this musical - I watched the movie with Brando & Sinatra so many times, but Stubby Kaye was the scene stealer for me. I know all the songs by heart. While I prefer the Opera productions on the Harbour, I was not unhappy to go to this one.

Whether you like musicals or not, it's a stunning location and always a lovely evening.

Because it's outdoors, I get my ticket a few days out, or on the day. I only like to sit in the central bays, so when the Rush Tickets on TodayTix** came available, I purchased 2, to get dead centre (rather than 1 to the side). I managed the $389 tickets for $65 each. Basically for $7 more than the cheapest ticket ($123), I got the second best seat in the place. 

I was unable to get anyone to come with me at such short notice having scored the tickets at 3pm for the 7.30 start, and as tixel listed the ticket incorrectly, it wasn't going to sell there, so I went early to try and sell it at the gate.

The sun was beginning to set, so I was just about to give up when I saw a young woman turn away from the Box office without buying anything. I asked her if she needed a ticket. She explained she couldn't get one (presumably that she could afford). I told her I had one for $65 if she wanted it. She had no cash, and as an American, she didn't think she could transfer to me. I looked at the golden sky and told her it was her lucky day. She could have it as I didn't want to miss the sunset. I then checked who she voted for (as I'd have to spend an evening with her) and she pulled the most hilarious face so I figured she'd be fine company.

She was wowed as we walked in to the amazing view and suitably impressed with the seats. On my travels I have benefitted from the generosity of strangers. It was nice to pay it forward.

It is such a lovely atmosphere, regardless of the performance. The food & drinks tie in with the show so alas the American theme meant pizzas and hot dogs or 'deli' sandwiches...go early if you want the salads - they were sold out. The cocktails looked good but I had to skip those as I was driving*.

The show is not as pretty as other ones, La Boheme being my all time favourite but as always, a magical evening. We ended up chatting to the group sitting next to us - also American and it was a very fun evening of bonhomie. As always, everyone loves the front row view of the fireworks.

You have one week left to see it. Handa's Opera on the Harbour finishes April 20.

*If you do drive, the parking is $12 at the Domain if you pre book. There is a free shuttle but I just walked.

**Note if you purchase this way you do risk missing out completely.

Linking with #TalkaboutitTuesday #TravelTuesday #MCoW #WednesdayAroundtheWorld #ThruMyLens #WWOT #GMAlinky #SundayBest #TrafficJamReboot .#Skywatch #GalleriaHimmelsblick #WaterThursday

(Note also you can see Babu Gili projected on the inside sail of the Opera House at certain times of the evening)