Introduction

In a twist that has left fans buzzing, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie have reunited for a new adventure that’s as eye-catching as it is unexpected: writing an opera! This unexpected musical endeavor is showcased in their latest series, “Paris & Nicole: The Encore,” now streaming on Peacock.

Creative Journey Begins

The duo sits down with the renowned composer Thomas Adès, who reveals his long-standing admiration for them, as he echoes their melodies at the piano. When asked if he could simply pen their opera, Adès politely declines, explaining the complexity of the task. Upon learning that opera can take between one and five years to compose, Hilton and Richie, armed with a tight deadline of just a month, embark on a daunting creative journey.

The Sanasopera!

"The Sanasopera!" as they have titled it, draws inspiration from their decades-long friendship, all while retaining a spirit of whimsical chaos reminiscent of their classic series, “The Simple Life.” Their imagined opera blends elements of Studio 54 with the fantastical realms of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Light-Hearted Innocence

Surfing through the nuances of opera, Hilton remarks, “It’s so random, it’s perfect,” while Richie highlights their signature style of diving into unknown territories. However, the series intersperses lighthearted antics with the sobering realities of producing an opera, uncovering that this grand art form requires significant financial backing and expert talent.

Financial Realities

Hilton, who has previously graced the halls of Lincoln Center, showcases her limited knowledge about established works, asking if songs like “Bitter Sweet Symphony” or the film “Moulin Rouge!” qualify as operas. Their light-hearted innocence is juxtaposed with the serious elements of opera creation, as they learn from impresario Beth Morrison that their grand vision will require approximately $1.5 million—a figure that, humorously, they liken to the cost of a lavish wedding.

Vocal Coaching and Support

As their journey unfolds, they engage with vocal coaches to learn about operatic singing, likening the technique to the sound of a yawn or even Julia Child’s iconic voice. Notably, Hilton and Richie find themselves linked with influential figures along the way, garnering $1 million in support from the Hilton company itself, and collaborating with Sia for auditions.

Marketing Efforts

In an amusing scene, the stylish duo ambushes L.A. opera lovers at a fast-food joint while attempting to market their show, leading to a memorable moment with Kesha on a bus tour. Their efforts, while earnest, face humorous setbacks, such as a rejection at Sonic that Richie playfully dismisses.

Premiere of The Sanasopera!

The culmination of their rapid efforts, “The Sanasopera!” debuts at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills, and the results are predictably mixed. Described by Hilton during rehearsals as reminiscent of a school play, the production merges public-domain opera scores in a comical pastiche. While critics may point out the flaws, Hilton and Richie’s venture serves as an entertaining gateway into the world of opera, blending celebrity charm with genuine creativity.

Conclusion

As the series progresses, viewers not only witness the humorous trials of two friends but also a subtle advocacy for the long-standing tradition of opera, revealing that behind every grand performance lies a substantial amount of hard work, dedication, and a sprinkle of glamour. One thing is clear: Hilton and Richie might have ventured into the opera world with limited experience, but their journey is anything but ordinary.