THE DALLAS OPERA PREMIERE
“A delight” for children and grown-ups alike!
—THE INDEPENDENT, London
Take a flight of the imagination when a pilot stranded in the desert meets the little prince! After an action-packed galactic journey, this magical boy visits Earth, determined to find a way to save his own tiny planet and everything he cherishes. Friendship, loss, love, and finding out that what’s truly important in life “is invisible to the eye” … much is explored in this “enchanting opera that’s filled with warm wisdom and lyrical beauty.” (BOSTON HERALD)
Francesca Zambello’s iconic production brings to life one of the best-loved books ever written, and the story soars through luminous music by Academy Award-winner Rachel Portman. As the pilot, Kyle Miller, lauded for his “rich and sonorous baritone” (OPERAWIRE), leads the cast.
View the full program here or in the Flip Book below.
The Little Prince was originally commissioned by Houston Grand Opera, through a generous gift made by Kathryn and David Berg in memory of Larry Pfeffer, and is a co-production with HGO, Santa Fe Opera, Skylight Opera Theatre, Tulsa Opera, and Boston Lyric Opera.
Show Details
Language
Sung in English with projected English titles
Running Time
Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, including one intermission.
THE LITTLE PRINCE Book Drive
The Dallas Opera invites you to share the joy of reading through a special book drive during mainstage performances of The Little Prince.
In partnership with The Birthday Party Project, we are collecting new or gently used children’s books to support young readers in our community. Book donations will be shared between The Dallas Opera—helping restock the bookshelves at our Family Performances—and The Birthday Party Project, where books bring comfort, imagination, and celebration to children experiencing homelessness.
Donation drop boxes will be available in the Winspear Opera House lobby throughout the run of the production.
Drop boxes will be located in the lobby February 6–14.
Cast
Everett Baumgarten
The Little Prince (2/6, 2/8, 2/14)
Ayden Yang
The Little Prince (2/11)
Kyle Miller
The Pilot
Tessa Fackelmann
The Fox
Ashley Townsley
The Rose
Jacob Abrahamse
The Snake/The Vain Man
Keron Jackson
The King
Tres Hunter
Baobob/Hunter
Diana Newman
The Water
Christopher A. Leach
The Lamplighter/The Drunkard
Korin Thomas-Smith
The Businessman
Creative Team
Rachel Portman
Music
Nicholas Wright
Libretto
Paolo Bressan
Conductor
Francesca Zambello
Original Director
Anna Maria Bruzzese
Revival Director
Maria Bjørnson
Set & Costume Designer
Rick Fisher
Original Lighting Designer
David Zimmerman
Wig & Make-Up Designer
Kimberley Ahrens
Artistic Director, Greater Dallas Choral SocietyThe Little Prince Synopsis
Act I
During a terrible sandstorm, a Pilot makes a forced landing in the desert, a thousand miles from the nearest town. His plane is wrecked and he has just enough water to last eight days. The Little Prince appears and asks the Pilot to draw a sheep. The Pilot, who was discouraged from drawing when he was young, is reluctant, but finally produces a satisfactory image.
The Prince explains that he is from a tiny planet—Asteroid B612. The planet is home to a singular Rose, which he lovingly tends. The Prince left his home to learn how he might better please the Rose. On the planets he visited previously, he met a King, a Vain Man, a Drunkard, and a Businessman, none of whom had much wisdom to offer. Finally, he met a Lamplighter who suggested he try the planet Earth.
Act II
Continuing the story of his adventures on Earth, the Prince tells of meeting the Snake, who has the power to send anyone back to his home. The Prince then found a rose garden, which was upsetting, because he had believed his Rose was unique. Next, he met a wise Fox, who explained the concept of taming: “Taming means you make a link, a lock, a sort of tie.”
The Pilot interrupts the Prince’s story to remind him they are in desperate need of water. The two set off in search of a well. They find one at sunrise and drink. The Prince tells the Pilot that he fell to Earth one year ago and instructs the Pilot to go back to his plane. The Prince summons the Snake, but the Pilot returns and frightens the Snake away. The Prince insists that he must go.
Synopsis by Kelley Rouke
Pre- and Post-Opera Discussions
Join us for these engaging and informative pre- and post-opera discussions:
Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk: This interactive 30-minute lecture begins one hour before the start of each opera in the Margaret McDermott Performance Hall. Admission is free with your ticket to a Dallas Opera performance.
Sunday Post-Opera Talkback: Immediately following the Sunday matinee performance from the stage, this brief and casual Q&A session with members of the cast gives you an opportunity to ask questions about the performance. Hosted by Kristian Roberts, Director of Education for The Dallas Opera.
Saturday Meet the Composer Post-Opera Talkback: Immediately following the Saturday performance from the stage, stay for a Q&A session with composer Rachel Portman and ask questions about the performance. Hosted by Kristian Roberts, Director of Education for The Dallas Opera.
Sponsors
The VanSickle Family Foundation in memory of Edith and Elmer VanSickle
Season Sponsor
Susan and Mark Geyer
Supporting Sponsors
Sons of Arvel and Charlotte Haley: John, Robert, Steve, and Charles
Supporting Sponsors
Greg Swalwell and Terry Connor
Supporting Sponsors