"La Verbena de la Paloma".

10 Dec 2005-22 Jan 2006. The Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid presents La Verbena de la Paloma as its Christmas season offering this year. Zarzuela is the Spanish form of operetta, involving dialogue, sung arias and choruses centred around historical and mythical themes and often reflecting Madrid society. The second half of the 19th century saw the golden age of zarzuela; and indeed La Verbena de la Paloma by Toms Bretn was first performed at the Teatro de Apolo in Madrid on 17 February 1894. The libretto by Ricardo de la Vega is supplemented by an original prologue written for this production by Bernardo Snchez. This one-act zarzuela gives the audience a slice of Madrid street life during the carnival celebrating the feast day of the Virgin in Paloma street. De la Vegas finely observed characters are everyday working people who use the popular language of the day, giving the operetta the immediacy that has made it a favourite for generations. In this production directed by Miguel Roa and designed by Juan Pedro de Gaspar the music is performed by the Orchestra of the Community of Madrid with the Chorus of the Teatro de la Zarzuela. Admission 36-12, boxes 216-115. 20.00, no performance Mon or Tues. 24-27 and 31 Dec closed. Matinee for schools 4 and 18 Jan 18.00.