Opera Theatre to Present 'A Wake or a Wedding'
Opera Theatre participants are (front, from left) Crystal Kachevas, Baylee Stracener, Breunka Kimbrough and Victoria Dryer; (back) Alex Cummings, Jeffrey Steward, Casey Sherwood, Jon Rogers, David Norris, Dee Mosely.
JONESBORO – The A-State Opera Theatre will present its spring production of "A Wake or a Wedding" on Thursday and Friday, March 9-10, at 7:30 p.m. in Fowler Center’s Drama Theatre on the Arkansas State University campus.
Opera Theatre provided this description of the production: "Everyone has secrets, right? Opera is no exception. This spring’s opera is a delightful show: a witty yet moving story about eight people in the middle of a mining town. The story takes us to Montana in 1898, where Pierpont Mackerol Davenport, a ruthless copper king, has died on the eve of his daughter’s wedding. Deception, surprises, madness, and butterflies are all revealed in a shocking and hilarious twist as all characters begin to reveal their true identities."
Bethania Baray, director of A-State Opera, emphasized the educational opportunity the participants have experienced.
“For most of the students, this is the first time they have sung in an opera. The genre and the style of the opera is what makes this opera particularly difficult for the students” she explained. “The opera is a 21st century opera. It was premiered in 2014 and contains difficult rhythms and intervals for the 'first-time' opera singer. The composer of this opera visited the A-State campus on Feb. 5-11 and coached the singers on their music and roles. This was a unique opportunity that many opera singers never have the opportunity to enjoy.”
Tickets are available now at the A-State Box Office, (870) 972-ASU1. Prices are $10 for adults (in advance); $15 for adults (at the door); $5 students (A-State and community) and children.
For more information about this event, please contact the Music Department at (870) 972-2094.
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