Archives for October 2011
Back at the Helm
October 28, 2011
As Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s “Moby-Dick” gets ready to reconquer North America after dazzling audiences “Down Under”…a curious round of cast changes from one coast to the other has put heldentenor Ben Heppner back at the helm of the Pequod. Here’s more on that from Dan Wakin in “The New York Times.” Suzanne Calvin,... Read more →
Design Envy
I think the worst grade I ever received in my life was for a 7th grade home economics sewing project. So, forgive me if my design envy (along with my crooked seams) is showing. Check out this excellent article in “Theater Jones” about the true design genius behind the costumes in the Dallas Opera’s “Lucia di... Read more →
Family Programming Trio – Next 3 Weekends
October 27, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, October 27, 2011 Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214-443-1014/suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org A Reminder: Three Weekends of Fabulous Family Programming at The Dallas Opera! ~~~~ DOCTOR MIRACLE $5 FAMILY PERFORMANCE, Sunday, October 30th 2:00 p.m. At the Margot & Bill Winspear Opera House ~~~~ DOCTOR MIRACLE performed at NorthPark Center Saturday, November 5th 2:00 p.m. ~~~~... Read more →
Loving Lucia, Turtle Creek News
In case you can’t easily put your hands on “The Turtle Creek News,” here’s Martha Heimberg’s review of our season opening production: TURTLE CREEK NEWS Dallas Opera opens season with grand sets, costumes and a thrilling diva Lucia de Lammermoor delivers the grand opera experience on opening night Review by Martha Heimberg I see a... Read more →
What are you CRAVE-ing?
You can practically taste opening night of the season in this on-the-lawn-on-the-spot-on-the-Lucia-menu report by Stephen Doyle of “Crave DFW”. Tuck in and enjoy! (Photo courtesy of Cravedfw.com) Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media & PR
FIRST NIGHT Patron Party
Practically perfect in every way! Or, so I’m told. Here’s the complete scoop from “My Sweet Charity’s” Jeanne Prejean, who took a number of terrific photos including this one of Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny. Be sure to check them all out on Jeanne’s blog. Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media and PR
Megan’s Musings Volume 2: Dr. Miracle Production Team
For Volume 2 of Megan’s Musings, I got to sit down with the Production Team of our new Family Opera — Doctor Miracle by Bizet — Stage Director James Hampton and Production Designer Tommy Bourgeois. This Sunday, October 30th, Doctor Miracle will be making a stop at the Winspear — tickets are just $5 and... Read more →
Fashion@theOpera
First Night designer Geoffrey Henning and model D’Andra Simmons wearing the “Tragic Obsessions” inspired design on Opening Night Friday, October 21, 2011 of Lucia di Lammermoor. More Dress to follow check back each Friday to see the other beautiful designs that were inspired by the Dallas Opera’s 2011/2012 ‘Tragic Obsessions” Season.
A Lucia “Firing on All Cylinders”
October 26, 2011
Another rave review for the Dallas Opera season opener, “Lucia di Lammermoor” which continues tonight at the Winspear Opera House at 7:30 PM. Here’s the view from a local critic already well-known to you for the quality of his work: Olin Chism, writing on special assignment for the “Star-Telegram.” It reads, in part: “Sunday afternoon’s performance displayed top-rank... Read more →
A Picture Worth “The Column”
Writing for “John Garcia’s THE COLUMN” and “Pegasus News,” Mark-Brian Sonna was wowed from the moment the curtain went up last Friday night on “Lucia di Lammermoor”: “As the curtain rises the audience holds its breath. Before us is a scene straight out of Rembrandt Painting. Granted, Rembrandt is Dutch and the Opera takes place... Read more →
Kudos to Conklin
An overdue, national standing ovation for scenic/costume designer John Conklin, long associated with the Dallas Opera and other major companies across the country. Mr. Conklin will be tapped tomorrow night in Washington to receive a National Endowment for the Arts Honors award (along with several other notables including Dallas native Speight Jenkins, the highly regarded general director of... Read more →
It Was Certainly “Oh So”!
October 24, 2011
FIRST NIGHT was definitely an opening night celebration to remember, from the fabulous food and drink to the sumptuous gowns. Get a taste of it all from “Oh So Cynthia”…the blog about the “hottest events and coolest people in Dallas.” You can access it right here. Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media & PR
TDO Debut “One for the Ages”
Pulitzer-nominated critic Wayne Lee Gay was clearly knocked out by our season opening performance of “Lucia di Lammermoor.” And he declared Elena Mosuc’s company debut in the title role as an indicator that she is “likely to enter the ranks of the great artists of our time.” Read more of Wayne’s review here. Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director... Read more →
Singer Grades the Singing
It’s always especially interesting to hear how a singer judges the work of other professionals in their field, and that was the case with mezzo-soprano Laura Begley reviewing Friday evening’s Opening Night performance of the Dallas Opera’s revival of “Lucia.” Catch her review on the site “Operagasm.” She admitted that her biggest disappointment of the... Read more →
Review Steals My Literary Heart
That’s what Dean Cassella did by quoting a marvelous passage from Gustave Flaubert’s “Madame Bovary” as the lead to his review of the Dallas Opera’s “Lucia di Lammermoor.” Another strong impression made by our leading lady on a local critic. Sherri Tilley of “The Flash List” said, despite the obvious romantic appeal for women, that... Read more →
Much to Love…But…
October 23, 2011
The reviews are beginning to trickle in for the Dallas Opera’s Season Opener, “Lucia di Lammermoor” at the Winspear Opera House. Gregory Sullivan Isaacs of the theater and arts website, “Theater Jones” posted this review praising the individual components of the production and questioning some of the decision-making. More from “Theater Jones” on “Lucia” right... Read more →
Another Opening, Another Show!
October 21, 2011
Actually, when the Dallas Opera stages a season-opener, it goes well beyond the ordinary. And these photos by TDO’s Luke McKenzie will give plenty of hints as to “why.” From the red carpet arrivals hosted by WFAA Morning Anchor Ron Corning, the fabulous fashions, the enthusiastic crowds, and the gorgeous weather–it was a night to... Read more →
Wish You Were Here
Italian baritone Luca Grassi is making his official U.S. debut this evening in the role of the Machiavellian Lord Enrico Ashton in our season opening production of “Lucia di Lammermoor.” And the folks over at “Barihunks” couldn’t be more pleased! Here’s their report. If you are not familiar with “Barihunks” by the way, you should... Read more →
Key Phrase: “And the Rangers Aren’t Playing”
From Mark Lowry of “Theater Jones” on tonight’s Plazacast of “Lucia di Lammermoor.” Oh, did I mention the English language subtitles? For our home field advantage, not the Rangers. Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media & PR
What’s in Your Picnic Basket?
Whether you are planning to come down to the Arts District this evening (Friday, October 21st) for the free Plazacast at the Center (sponsored by the Dallas Opera and the AT&T Performing Arts Center) located in Sammons Park in front of the Winspear Opera House, or, sitting home wondering why you aren’t taking advantage of this... Read more →
Dallas Voice “Best Bet”
And you’d best believe it. Opening Night of the Season tonight, including a free, outdoor Plazacast (with subtitles) on the lawn in front of the Winspear (bring a blanket and picnic basket), 6 PM red carpet arrivals and fashion show with specially designed coutoure gowns inspired by each of the operas in our “Tragic Obsessions”... Read more →
Why Is This Man Smiling?
Actually, there was a lot to smile about at the Dallas Opera’s Inner Circle Season Kick-Off event a couple weekends ago at Komali. Hosted by Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny and renowned Chef/Proprietor Abraham Salum, fine food and drink and a fine time was had by all. Here are a few of... Read more →
Fashion@theOpera
Fashion@theOpera this week takes us to our Red Carpet from opening night of Doctor Miracle on Friday, October 7th, 2011. TDO is getting ready for the Red Carpet for the opening night of the “Tragic Obsessions” season. Lucia di Lammermoor is hours away from taking the stage. Hope to see you there. Don’t have tickets... Read more →
Bob Miller on FIRST NIGHT
October 20, 2011
We’re counting the hours now until Opening Night of the “Tragic Obsessions” Season (Friday, October 21st) and FIRST NIGHT, the celebrations beginning at 6:00 p.m. with red carpet arrivals and fashion show, a pre-performance reception and a lavish, post-performance dinner–all while the 7:30 p.m. performance is playing on a giant screen out in front of... Read more →
Putting the Flavor in Family Programming
Putting the Flavor in Family Programming By Suzanne Calvin There’s something slightly sticky-sweet about the term “family programming” that tends to remind me of applesauce: pleasant, easily digestible and just as easily forgotten when you’re done. Well, that is not what our “family programming” is about at the Dallas Opera. Beginning with this month’s sprightly... Read more →
Luca on Luca–and Other Things
October 19, 2011
As nuclear engineer-turned-Italian baritone Luca Grassi prepares for his American debut as the manipulative Enrico Ashton in the Dallas Opera season opener, he took a few minutes off to talk with Gregory Sullivan Isaacs of “Theater Jones.” Check it out! (Photo of Luca Grassi and Elena Mosuc by Dallas Opera production photographer Karen Almond) Suzanne... Read more →
Scott Cantrell’s Latest
October 16, 2011
I’m thinking that the analogy between the political chaos that is the setting for Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” and Keith Cerny’s situation as General Director and CEO of the Dallas Opera might be a bit of a stretch (or what we in the opera world term, “artistic license”); nevertheless, the “Dallas Morning News” Classical Music Critic gives us... Read more →
Crewmantle Goes to the Top
Of the company, that is. Here’s his take on meeting Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny at the midway point of Crewmantle’s recent “COMMANDOpera Eastern U.S. Opera Company Tour.” In case you were wondering, the fellow in the feathered mask is NOT Mr. Cerny. For additional details, click here. Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media & PR
“Out of the Opera Box”
October 14, 2011
Gregory Sullivan Isaacs never takes his job lightly, even when reviewing a production specifically designed for the pre-teen set. Here is his take for “Theater Jones” on the Dallas Opera’s new production of Georges Bizet’s youthful operetta, “Doctor Miracle,” and its talented ensemble cast selected from area university programs. Read the review here. Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media... Read more →
Why Read Moby-Dick?
I’m a tremendous fan of the non-fiction of Nathaniel Philbrick and get his regular e-newsletter. The one that came out today touts his brand-new book, available later this month: “Why Read Moby-Dick?” It is interesting that Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s monumental opera which saw its world premiere here in 2010 seemed to be in... Read more →
Tonight’s the Night
If you want to catch the Dallas Opera’s new production of Georges Bizet’s “Doctor Miracle” — kiddie red carpet and all — tonight’s the night at Dallas Children’s Theater. More from Liz Johnstone at D Magazine’s “FrontBurner” blog. Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media & PR
And If You Didn’t Catch This Earlier
Nancy Churnin of “The Dallas Morning News” had a terrific piece on the people behind the Dallas Opera’s new children’s production of Georges Bizet’s “Doctor Miracle” (next performance, tonight at 7:30 at the Dallas Children’s Theater; tickets $12). Nancy obviously gets the company’s commitment to arts education and the need to support developing young artists,... Read more →
“The Dallas Morning News” Applauds Our “Miracle”
“Dallas Morning News” KidBeat Columnist Nancy Churnin, who is as passionate about enriching children’s lives as anyone I’ve ever encountered in mainstream journalism, didn’t just write a marvelous advance for our performances of Georges Bizet’s “Doctor Miracle” (the next one tonight at 7:30 at Dallas Children’s Theater–Tickets are just $12), she took the time to experience... Read more →
If Operas Came in Beer Bottles
Clever cartoon game from NPR Music (thanks to Megan for the tip). What IF operas were beers? In honor of one of the great ladies of our art form, I would submit “Donizetti Beer ‘Bubbles’.” Your turn now! Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media and PR
Fashion@theOpera
Nicolas Villalba is an international award-winning owner and principal designer of Nicolas Villalba Couture. Originally an eveningwear designer, the Nicolas line now includes wedding and business attire, home decor and custom linens, making his studio the only “split” atelier in Dallas. After graduating from UNT with a BFA in Fashion Design, Nicolas was chosen to... Read more →
The COMMANDOpera Tour Stops in Big D
October 13, 2011
As part of a veritable eastern-half of the United States tour of opera houses and companies, the Dallas Opera played host the other afternoon to Crewmantle and his guest for an impromptu tour of the company offices and the Winspear Opera House itself. I mean, how could we say no? Crew might affect unusual accessories for... Read more →
Too Rich?
Well, here we go again. Thanks to Sadie Prater Barron for the link to NPR’s blog entry on the subject of whether opera is, or is not, entertainment for the ultra-uber-rich. It’s not much different than a sporting event where you can enjoy all the action from the bleachers, the porch or the private boxes. Opera,... Read more →
Doctor Miracle Tickles Various Fancies at DCT
October 12, 2011
If you’ve been wondering whether the Dallas Opera’s new children’s production of Georges Bizet’s charming “Doctor Miracle” might prove a great introduction to the art form for all the little ones in your family, check out Sandie Newton’s report for CBS-11. The next performance is this Friday night at Dallas Children’s Theater. Tickets are $12 and available... Read more →
Metropolitan Opera Cash Flow
October 11, 2011
A river, in fact, might be an understatement. The latest Met fundraising campaign has taken in a record-smashing $182 million, according to “The New York Times.” However, according to this report, it’s not enough of an infusion to resolve the company’s ongoing financial problems, which is actually both sobering and rather mind-boggling. New York Times’ photo... Read more →
From the Desk of Artistic Director Jonathan Pell
The auditions yesterday were slightly disappointing. The singer I was most looking forward to hearing cancelled because he was to sing last night in LUCIA. His name is Rene Barbera, and he is from San Antonio. He recently won the Operalia vocal competition sponsored by Placido Domingo, and I was very impressed by him last... Read more →
From the Desk of Artistic Director Jonathan Pell
October 10, 2011
I flew to Chicago early yesterday morning to arrive in time for a matinee of Lyric’s opening production of the season, Offenbach’s THE TALES OF HOFFMANN, which opened last week to wonderful reviews. One would never have guessed, but Matthew Polenzani was performing the title role for the first time in his career. He was terrific, and... Read more →
Fashion@theOpera
October 7, 2011
Michael Faircloth established his first couture salon in Dallas nearly thirty years ago and has quietly gone about gaining a serious reputation. First Lady Laura Bush, an established client for many years, propelled him into the national media spotlight by asking him to design her first inaugural wardrobe, and she continues to be one of... Read more →
Dallas Opera Financial Picture-International Arts Manager
October 6, 2011
It’s territory already covered in the local and national media, but here’s a view from overseas. Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media & PR
Cast of THE LIGHTHOUSE Announced
Yes, it’s really happening: the thrilling theatrical collaboration with the Dallas Theater Center that is (or will be) THE LIGHTHOUSE by Peter Maxwell Davies. The next major announcement has been made and now we know who will be singing the roles. Pick your flavor: here’s the story from “Broadway World,” “Operagasm,” and “The Flash List“…Keep scrolling... Read more →