FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Contact: Suzanne Calvin
214-443-1014/suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org
THE DALLAS OPERA & THE AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE “PLAZACAST AT THE CENTER” A FREE, PUBLIC SIMULCAST OF TDO’S 2011 OPENING NIGHT, INCLUDING A PERFORMANCE OF DONIZETTI’S LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR!
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011
Red-Carpet Coverage Starting at 6:20 p.m.
Performance Curtain: 7:30 p.m.
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THE MARGOT AND BILL WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE AT THE AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
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2011-2012 Season Presenter, Texas Instruments Foundation
DALLAS, SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 – The Dallas Opera is privileged to announce that—in partnership with the AT&T Performing Arts Center—all the excitement and thrills of the Opening Night of the 2011-2012 “Tragic Obsessions” Season will be on street-level, public display, free of charge. This will be a night for everyone in the Metroplex area, from the red-carpet arrivals to the outdoor curtain-calls for the cast and chorus that will bring this remarkable evening to a fitting close.
“Plazacast@the Center,” the company’s second simulcast, will be held in Sammons Park and other areas of the plaza in front of the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center on the evening of Friday, October 21, 2011, beginning at 6:20 p.m. (curtain time: 7:30 p.m.).
The new location has the added advantage of allowing music aficionados and the opera-curious to bring their own blankets, picnic baskets and lawn chairs; to make a full evening of this festive affair, supported by Smartwater. (However, the Dallas Opera respectfully requests that you leave your pets at home. Minor children must be accompanied by an adult.)
Attendees will have an outstanding view of the red carpet “fashion show” that kicks-off the event and a gigantic screen on the lawn will transport them inside the Margaret McDermott Performance Hall and down to the Shannon and Ted Skokos Stage for opening remarks from Dallas Opera General Director & CEO Keith Cerny, prior to the evening’s eagerly anticipated performance.
The opera itself will be sung in the original language, Italian, with English language subtitles projected onto the screen. Whether indoors or out, Dallas Opera patrons won’t miss a moment of the melodrama!
“I knew before I landed the job in Dallas,” says Keith Cerny, “that, if appointed to take the helm of the company, I would make certain that we utilized all the latest technologies—including simulcasts—to ensure equal access to the opera experience for every man, woman and child.
“The Plazacast at the Center,” adds Mr. Cerny, “represents another step forward in my mission to encourage significant, creative partnerships and collaborations with our peer groups in the performing arts. It is also reflects the Dallas Opera’s determination to seek opportunities to forge new ties with cultural and entertainment venues, in addition to the outstanding institutions of higher learning located throughout North Texas.”
The Plazacast also marks the company’s most recent collaboration with the AT&T Performing Arts Center, which partnered with TDO for last season’s opening night simulcast from the newly re-dedicated Annette Strauss Square.
“We have found that simulcasts are extraordinary magnets for families and individuals who have never before been to an opera,” explains Dallas Opera Chief Marketing Officer & Director of Community Outreach Jennifer Schuder.
“Although our tickets are priced to suit any budget, some people are reluctant to commit their hard-earned cash without knowing whether it’s the kind of experience they’re likely to enjoy. Events like the Plazacast at the Center allow them to make that discovery—and its costs nothing more than a few hours of their time.
“But, even for those who already adore opera, it’s a terrific chance to relax on the lawn, with a glass in-hand, to enjoy the music and the performance in a wonderfully casual, communal setting.”
Paid parking may be available beneath the Winspear Opera House (Lexus Red) and the Wyly Theatre across the street (Lexus Silver Parking). Additional paid parking is available in-and-around the Arts District, in both garages and surface lots.
SmartWater will provide free water for Plazacast patrons at their clearly marked tent. Other food and drink will be available on-site and within easy walking distance of the simulcast. Restroom facilities will be located across Flora Street in well-lit areas.
Security at the Plazacast will be provided by the AT&T Performing Arts Center, with additional security provided by the Dallas Police Department.
About Lucia di Lammermoor
Based on an epic 19th century Scottish romance by Sir Walter Scott and containing several of the most thrilling moments in all of opera, Lucia di Lammermoor propels us into a world where women are reluctant pawns in a dynastic quest for powerful family alliances. Tricked by her brother into giving up the man she loves, Lucia submits to his choice of a husband, with tragic consequences for all. Featuring the American debut of acclaimed Italian baritone Luca Grassi, and starring a host of major international stars—including Romanian soprano Elena Mosuc in the title role—Donizetti’s 1835 masterpiece thunders, swoons, transfixes and haunts. But be forewarned: it never, ever lets up! Conducted by Dallas Opera Music Director Graeme Jenkins and staged by American director Garnett Bruce. For tickets or information, call 214.443.1000 or visit dallasopera.org.
THE DALLAS OPERA GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES
THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS FOUNDATION,
PRESENTER OF THE 2011-2012 SEASON
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT “SEPTEMBER AT THE DALLAS OPERA”
IS CONVENIENTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7
VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG AND CHECK THE CALENDAR LISTINGS
For high-resolution, digital photographs suitable for print
To arrange an interview, or, for additional information
Please contact Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media & PR
214.443.1014 or suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org
THE DALLAS OPERA WISHES TO EXPRESS ITS GRATITUDE TO OUR EXCLUSIVE PARTNERS:
AMERICAN AIRLINES – OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF THE DALLAS OPERA
LEXUS – OFFICIAL VEHICLE OF THE DALLAS OPERA
CARTIER – OFFICIAL JEWELER & WATCHMAKER OF THE DALLAS OPERA
ROSEWOOD CRESCENT HOTEL – OFFICIAL HOTEL OF THE DALLAS OPERA
Ticket Information for the 2011-2012 Dallas Opera Season
All performances are in the acoustically acclaimed Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Season subscriptions start at just $76, FLEX subscriptions (three performances) begin at $75—and are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale in September. For more information, contact the friendly staff at The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or visit us online at www.dallasopera.org. Principal cast members and events may be subject to change. All ticket sales are final.
THE DALLAS OPERA 2011-2012 SEASON INFORMATION
The Dallas Opera celebrates its Fifty-Fifth International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in downtown Dallas. With the exception of Tristan & Isolde, evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees will begin at 2:00 p.m. Tristan’s evening performances will start at 7:00 p.m. and matinees at 2:00 p.m. Performances of The Lighthouse (new chamber opera series) will take place in the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre located directly across the street from the Winspear in the AT&T Performing Arts Center. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance. Assistance is available for the hearing impaired.
LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR by Gaetano Donizetti
Dead Men DO Wear Plaid!
October 21, 23(m), 26 & 29, and November 6(m), 2011
An opera in three acts first performed at Teatro San Carlo, Naples on September 26, 1835.
Text by Salvatore Cammarano, based on Sir Walter Scott’s novel, The Bride of Lammermoor.
Time: Around 1700
Place: Scotland
Conductor: Graeme Jenkins
Stage Director: Garnett Bruce
Costume Design: Peter J. Hall
Lighting Design: Marie Barrett
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Fight Choreographer: Bill Lengfelder
Starring: Elena Mosuc* (Lucia Ashton), Bryan Hymel* (Sir Edgardo di Ravenwood), Luca Grassi** (Lord Enrico Ashton), Jordan Bisch* (Raimondo Bidebent), Scott Quinn (Normanno), Aaron Blake (Lord Arturo Bucklaw), and Cynthia Hanna* (Alisa).
TRISTAN & ISOLDE by Richard Wagner
February 16, 19(m), 22 & 25, 2012
A Special Opera-in-Concert, with projections by Moby-Dick’s Elaine McCarthy!
Ancient Myths, Modern Cine-Magic! And a special curtain time: 7:00 p.m.!
An opera in two acts first performed in Munich, June 10, 1865.
Text by Richard Wagner, based on an ancient Celtic and Icelandic legend.
Time: Legendary
Place: A ship at sea; outside King Marke’s palace, Cornwall; Tristan’s castle at Kareol
Conductor: Graeme Jenkins
Stage Director: Christian Räth
Video Design: Elaine McCarthy
Lighting Design: Alan Burrett
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Jeanne-Michele Charbonnet (Isolde), Clifton Forbis (Tristan), Elizabeth Bishop (Brangäne), Jukka Rasilainen** (Kurvenal), Kristinn Sigmundsson* (King Marke), Erik Nelson Werner (Melot), and Aaron Blake (A Young Sailor/A Shepherd).
THE LIGHTHOUSE by Peter Maxwell Davies
Inaugural production of the Dallas Opera Chamber Series
Presented in collaboration with the Dallas Theater Center
In the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre at the AT&T Performing Arts Center
March 16, 17 & 18(m), 2012
A chilling supernatural and psychological thriller!
Time: December 1900
Place: Edinburgh Court of Enquiry, Fladda Isle Lighthouse off the Scottish coast
Conductor: Nicole Paiement*
Stage Director: Kevin Moriarty* (opera directorial debut)
Scenic Design: Beowulf Boritt*
Costume Design: Claudia Stephens*
LA TRAVIATA by Giuseppe Verdi
April 13, 15(m), 18, 21, 27 & 29(m), 2012
Let’s Party Like it’s 1849!
An opera in three acts first performed in Venice at Teatro La Fenice, March 6, 1853
Text by Francesco Maria Piave, based on Alexandre Dumas’ play, La dame aux camélias
Time: 19th century
Place: Paris
Conductor: Marco Guidarini
Stage Director: Bliss Hebert
Production Design: Allen Charles Klein
Lighting Design: Thomas Hase
Choreographer: Rosa Mercedes*
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Myrtò Papatanasiu** (Violetta Valéry), James Valenti (Alfredo Germont), Laurent Naouri* (Giorgio Germont), Amanda Crider* (Flora Bervoix), Timothy Mix* (Baron Douphol), Mark McCrory (Marchese D’Obigny), Ethan Herschenfeld* (Doctor Grenvil), and Susan Nicely (Annina).
THE MAGIC FLUTE by W.A. Mozart
April 20, 22(m), 25, 28, May 4 & 6(m), 2012
Hearts Tested, Tried and True!
An opera in two acts first performed in Vienna, September 30, 1791.
Text by Emanuel Schikaneder.
Time: Legendary
Place: Mythological Egypt
Conductor: Graeme Jenkins
Production: August Everding
Stage Director: Matthew Lata
Scenic Design: Jörg Zimmermann*
Costume Design: Renate Kalanke*
Lighting Design: Duane Schuler
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Children’s Chorus Master: Melinda Cotten
Starring: Ava Pine (Pamina), Shawn Mathey* (Tamina), Patrick Carfizzi (Papageno), L’ubica Vargicová* (The Queen of the Night), Raymond Aceto (Sarastro), Kevin Langan (The Speaker), David Cangelosi (Monostatos), Angela Mannino* (Papagena), Caitlin Lynch* (First Lady), Lauren McNeese* (Second Lady), Maya Lahyani* (Third Lady), Aaron Blake (First Man in Armour) and Darren K. Stokes* (Second Man in Armour).
* Dallas Opera Debut
** American Debut
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The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: City of Dallas, Office of Cultural Affairs; TACA; the Texas Commission on the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera. Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera. Cartier is the official jeweler and watchmaker of The Dallas Opera. Rosewood Crescent Hotel is the official hotel of The Dallas Opera. Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News. A special thanks to Mrs. William W. Winspear and the Elsa von Seggern Foundation for their continuing support.
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