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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gottlieb Stephanie

Abduction

12–16 August 2025 Palais Theatre, St Kilda

Almost 250 years after its debut in Vienna, Mozart’s masterpiece remains as thrilling as ever.

Victorian Opera presents a bold adaptation of Mozart’s early masterpiece, The Abduction from the Seraglio, reimagined as Abduction at the Palais Theatre from 12–16 August. Prepare for the most seductive night at the opera you’ll ever have, featuring a stellar cast including Lyndon Watts (Candide, Hamilton) as beguiling figurehead The Pasha.

Premiering in Vienna in 1782, Mozart’s playful sex comedy is a dazzling example of German Singspiel, blending spoken dialogue with virtuosic vocal fireworks. Director Constantine Costi (Melbourne Cheremushki) brings a cheeky, modern edge to this classic with a fresh, English-language libretto that delves into themes of lust, obsession and unwavering loyalty.

The story follows Blonde and Konstanze, two young women who slip away from their well-meaning but bumbling fiancés, Pedrillo and Belmonte, in search of excitement at the mysterious and hedonistic House of the Pasha.

To meet Mozart’s demanding score, Victorian Opera has assembled a cast of Australia’s most exciting young singers—many returning from celebrated careers in Europe.

Cleo Lee-McGowan and Kyle Stegall star as two of Mozart’s most passionate lovers, Konstanze and Belmonte. They are joined by recent Green Room Award winners Katherine Allen (Candide) and Douglas Kelly (La Rondine) in the roles of Blonde and Pedrillo.

Musical theatre star Lyndon Watts brings irresistible charm to the role of the enigmatic Pasha, in a pivotal non-singing role. Making his company debut, Luke Stoker stars as Osmin, the Pasha’s intense right-hand man.

Don’t miss this seductive night at the opera.

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Creatives & Cast

Creative Team

Conductor Chad Kelly
Director Constantine Costi
Set & Costume Designer Nathan Burmeister, Matilda Woodroofe
Lighting Designer Paul Jackson

Cast

The Pasha Lyndon Watts
Konstanze Cleo Lee-McGowan
Belmonte Kyle Stegall
Blonde Katherine Allen
Pedrillo Douglas Kelly
Osmin Luke Stoker

Orchestra

Orchestra Victoria

Ticket Information

Ticket Prices

Tickets ($39-$170)

Price Type
Premium
A-Reserve
B-Reserve
C-Reserve
D-Reserve
Adult
$170
$140
$99
$65
$39
Concession
$160
$130
$89
$55
$39
Senior
$165
$135
$94
$60
$39
30yrs and Under
$30
$30
$30
Child (up to 14) *
$30
$30
$30
$30
$30
Group (6-9)
$160
$130
$89
$55
$39
Arts Access Victoria
$30
$30
$30
Want to book tickets?

Group Bookings

Price Type
Premium
A-Reserve
B-Reserve
C-Reserve
D-Reserve
Group (10+)
$136
$112
$79
$52
School Group (Student)
$25
$25
$25
School Group (Teacher) - 1 free per 10 students
$0
$0
$0
School Group (Teacher) - Additional
$25
$25
$25
Want to book tickets?
  • Purchase for large groups (10+) by emailing boxoffice@victorianopera.com.au or phone (03) 9001 6400 (Option 1).
  • Purchase for school groups by emailing education@victorianopera.com.au or phone (03) 9012 6659. School Groups receive 1 complimentary teacher tickets for every 10 Students booked. Additional teachers can book at Student rate.

Concessions include: Pension and Health Care Card holders, full-time Students, and MEAA members. Companion Card ticketing available.

All children up to 14 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years.

Ticket Fees & Charges: A Ticketmaster handling fee from $7.65 up to $7.80 per transaction applies. A delivery fee may apply depending on the mode of delivery selected.

We strongly advise that tickets should only be purchased via authorised ticket sellers. For Abduction this includes Ticketmaster, Tix.co, TodayTix and Halftix. Subscriptions are sold via Victorian Opera. Tickets purchased through unauthorised sellers cannot be guaranteed entrance.

Prices are correct at time of publishing and may vary. Information on our Privacy and Ticketing Policies can be found here.

Subscription tickets ($35-$136)

Price Type
Premium
A-Reserve
B-Reserve
C-Reserve
D-Reserve
Adult
$136
$112
$79
$52
$35
Concession
$128
$104
$71
$44
$35
Senior
$132
$108
$75
$48
$35
30yrs and Under
$30
$30
$30
$30
Child (up to 14) *
$24
$24
$24
$24
$24
Want to book tickets?

Concessions include: Pension and Health Care Card holders, full-time Students, and MEAA members. Companion Card ticketing available.

* All children up to 14 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years.

Prices are correct at time of publishing and may vary. Subscription discounts are calculated on full-priced Single Tickets. Information on our Privacy and Ticketing Policies can be found here.

Subscription Ticket Delivery options:

  • Printed tickets posted via Australia Post – Standard mail $5.00 / Registered Post $8.00
  • Print at Home and eTickets are free of charge.

Ticketing Assistance

For assistance with subscriptions, contact our subscriptions team on 1300 822 849 (Monday to Friday, 10 am – 4:30 pm) or email subscriptions@victorianopera.com.au

For assistance with single ticket bookings, contact us on (03) 9001 6400 (Option 1) or email boxoffice@victorianopera.com.au.

Health & Safety

If you or a member of your household is unwell or displaying symptoms of a contagious illness before a performance, please stay home and rest.

To exchange or refund your tickets due to feeling unwell, contact us prior to the scheduled performance via boxoffice@victorianopera.com.au or phone (03) 9001 6400, Option 1 (Monday to Friday, 10 am – 4.30 pm).

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Palais Theatre, St Kilda

Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182

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