Deborah Voigt and miners from Fanciulla del West —Metropolitan Opera photo
August will sizzle with spectacular operas Live in HD at The Ridgefield Playhouse. From the Met: Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette starring acclaimed soprano Anna Netrebko and tenor Robert Alagna on Saturday, August 16, and Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West with Deborah Voigt on Friday, August 29.
Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette is Live in HD at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Saturday, Aug.16.
Both operas take place at 6 p.m. To make the evening even more special, Bernard’s (20 West Lane, Ridgefield) is offering a special $45 prix-fixe menu, or a free glass of wine with dinner the night of these events when tickets are presented; reservations suggested. These series are underwritten by Jeanne Cook, Anita and Nicholas Donofrio, Liz and Steven Goldstone, Marilyn and Joe Kreitz, Joanne and John Patrick, Starbucks Coffee, Sabina and Walter Slavin, Taylor Zemo Foundation, The Ridgefield Press and Whistle Stop Bakery with media sponsor WSHU Public Radio Group.
In Gounod’s operatic interpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless love story, Roméo et Juliette, which will be nothing less than extraordinary, soprano Anna Netrebko teams up with tenor Roberto Alagna in a sensual interpretation. Originally premiered in 1867, Gounod’s opera was a triumph in its time and is still praised today for its remarkable musical take on Shakespeare. Plácido Domingo presides on the conductor’s podium for this tour-de-force presentation. Anna Netrebko has been described by The Associated Press as “the reigning new diva of the 21st century,” and her male counterpart, Roberto Alagna, was made a Knight of the French Legion of Honor (2008).
It’s not easy to find the right talent to interpret the songs in Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West, but Deborah Voigt and Marcello Giordani play their star roles with aplomb. Alongside conductor Nicola Luisotti, these opera singers wow their audiences. This opera takes place at a miners’ camp in California from 1849 to 1850. As various men swoon after Minnie, the “girl of the golden west,” different arguments and conflict arise. This dazzling production will enthrall.
For tickets ($25 adults, $20 seniors and members, $15 students, $18 each for all in the series), call the box office at (203) 438-5795, or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.
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