Operas coming to your local theater from the Met

[joebryant]

In 2008 the federal government did a survey of one million chicken owners to determine how popular opera was in the group. It was determined that at least 95% of them loved opera and a very small percent were evident compulsive liars. With all that in mind, I encourage the other 5% of you to give it a try along with the other 95%.
This summer, starting July 29, the Metropolitan is going to televise eleven operas into hundreds of local theaters in cities and towns. The first two will be highly-acclaimed encore performances; the last nine will be televised LIVE, on-stage performances.
Anne and I both love going to these performances. Where else can you go to the opera in jeans and eat popcorn while watching closeups, backstage interviews, etc., i.e., great entertainment.
BTW, tickets cost about 10% of what they sell for at Lincoln Center in New York.

For a list of the operas and schedule see:
http://www.gqti.com/met.aspx

For a list of theaters near you see (note states are on the right side in alphabetical order):
http://www.ncm.com/FathomContent/PDF/METFlute09Enc_7_7_09.pdf

 

[EweSheep]

I LOVE OPERAS! I was disappointed to see my local PBS cancel it out. I used to watch alot of it during the 80's which it was very popular.

Thanks for mentioning it!!!! I sure hope Opera can make a strong comeback!

 

[joebryant]

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EweSheep, I've read the reviews of the first two (the encore performances), The Barber of Seville and The Magic Flute, and am really looking forward to them, especially Mozart's The Magic Flute.

 

[EweSheep]

Too bad there is no theatre in my town that has these wonderful opera. The closest I can get to opera is Millikan College which I went to two of them and they were wonderful, particuarly when students from NY or any foreign countries come to sing. It was awesome! If you expect HIGH class singer with less money, you will be disappointed. Almost most of them are very, very highly trained and does well and I do remember one singer cracked and some of us just chuckled and move on. The audience do not boo or throw tomatoes at them just a polite, respectful manner that these are students and they are learning and sometimes at the mercy of Mother Nature, their voices will crack.

Springfield, IL is the closest one. At least I can keep the schedule on hand when I do have a babysitter for my DD. I know my DD loves opera but for that length of time for a 5 year old, its a bit much to sit through the whole thing with one small intermission.

 

[joebryant]

Yep, opera ain't no place for a five-year-old. Sure do wish that ALL teenagers could see The Magic Flute as an introduction to opera though. It's really funny with lots of nonsensical philosophies being espoused, especially about Tamimo's magic flute and Papagino's magic glockenspiel.

 

[EweSheep]

I never seen the Magic Flute so I dont know for sure if even teenagers would appreciate it. Barber of Seville has alot of humor.

DD and I watch opera at home in the Ovation channel and she kept saying why is he dying or why did he kill her? We were watching Otello with Placido Domingo...that is a real classic!

 

[joebryant]

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BTW, The Magic Flute is going to be sung in English for the Met performance.

Check out Simon Keenlyside doing his famous Papageno at Covent Garden in London.

 

[PineBurrowPeeps]

My husband is a manger at a movie theater where they do these Operas. I love it!

 

[Rolsjo]

Thanks so much for the info. DH and I would love to go to an opera and this is a much more affordable way to go.

I have always wanted to see The Magic Flute!

 

[joebryant]

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Glad you're going.
BTW, here's another YouTube showing Tamino and Papageno getting their flute and glockenspiel.