Friday, October 5, 2012

San Francisco Grand Opera Series in La Mirada beginning Oct. 21

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is thrilled to announce after its wildly successful screenings of National Theatre Live productions from London, it will begin screenings of SAN FRANCISCO’S GRAND OPERA SERIES!  Recorded live in high-definition at San Francisco's historic War Memorial Opera House, this series of four popular grand operas provides an exceptional high quality experience that will have you feeling like you were watching this performance from your favorite seat in the Opera House. One of the world's leading opera companies, San Francisco Opera remains a top destination for international singers, conductors, stage directors and designers. The San Francisco Opera brand of presenting exceptional musical and innovative theatrical productions is a strong and cherished tradition, critically acclaimed and applauded by sold-out audiences from around the world! 
 
MADAMA BUTTERFLY – October 21, 2012 – 2pm
"…a compelling and almost breathlessly taut rendition of this timeless tragedy. Patricia Racette’s portrayal is an incendiary performance."  - San Francisco Chronicle

One of the world’s most beloved and dramatic operas, Madama Butterfly is a classic tale of colliding hearts and cultures set in 19th-century Japan.

Internationally acclaimed soprano Patricia Racette is Cio-Cio-San, a geisha tragically torn between two worlds and forced to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to retain her honor. Maestro Donald Runnicles conducts the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus in this stirring production that features some of Puccini’s most popular music.  Sung in Italian with English subtitles.
 
DON GIOVANNI   - November 4, 2012 – 2pm
"Marius Kwiecien commands attention whenever he’s onstage. His lustrous, virile tone and rugged, wide-eyed good looks provide immediate appeal."
- San Francisco Chronicle
 
The Don Juan legend crackles to life in the hands of the world's most well-known composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Carefully balancing brilliant comedy with heaping amounts of seduction and ultimate tragedy, Don Giovanni is often referred to as the greatest opera ever composed. From the sparkling overture to one hit musical number after another, this fast-paced San Francisco Opera production features extraordinary Polish baritone Mariusz Kwiecien in the title role. Maestro Donald Runnicles leads the world renowned San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus.  With English subtitles.
Sung in Italian with English subtitles.
LA RONDINE  - November 16, 2012 – 8pm
"[Gheorghiu's] tone was strong but tender, with an irresistible blend of earthiness and purity…and when she lofted the high notes…[she] seemed to make time stand still."
- San Francisco Chronicle
 
A thoroughly Italian work inspired by Viennese operetta, this rarely performed Puccini gem tells the story of love between a kept woman from high society and a naïve younger man of moderate means. From the composer’s fabled Act I aria, “Chi il bel sogno,” to the glorious Act II café scene, this San Francisco Opera production features two world renowned singers at their finest: Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu and Russian tenor Misha Didyk. Ion Marin conducts La Rondine ("The Swallow") in an opulent Art Deco production design by Nicolas Joël that will dazzle your eye.  Sung in Italian with English subtitles.
 
 
SAMSON AND DELILAH -  January 13, 2013 – 2pm
"[Borodina] soared through the part with ease and seductive allure…[with her] gloriously voluptuous singing..." - San Francisco Chronicle
 
One of the most compelling biblical tales to emerge from the Old Testament comes to life in this sweeping epic of a hero who is seduced by a woman and loses his heart, his hair and finally his strength. This riveting opera features lush music and one of the most thrilling bacchanalian dance spectacles ever conceived for the stage. Make no mistake, this production is a Cecil B. DeMille-like extravaganza. Tenor Clifton Forbis brings down the temple (and the house) in this sumptuous production featuring Russian mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina and conductor Patrick Summers.
Sung in French with English subtitles
Running time: 2 hrs 35 mins. with two intermissions. 
Intermissions include backstage interviews with the cast

Subscriptions to this extraordinary season are now available by calling the Box Office at 562-944-9801.  Single tickets are $20 per screening and are available by calling the Box Office at 562-944-9801 or 714-994-6310 or online at www.lamiradatheatre.com.
 
LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue where the 91 and 5 freeways meet. Parking is free.
 

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