Cincinnati Opera announces '21 Summer fest
Cincinnati Opera canceled its 100th anniversary season this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic but the organization is pressing forward with details of its 2021 Summer Festival slated June 13-July 25. Two world premieres, three familiar classics and a free concert inWashington Park will be presented. The season consists of: Opera in the Park ( June 13), Gioachino Rossini's “The Barber of Seville” ( June 16 and 18), Georges Bizet's “Carmen” ( July 1, 8, 10 and 11), the world premiere of Gregory Spears and Tracy K. Smith's “Castor and Patience” ( July 9, 13, 15, 17 and 18), the world premiere ofWilliam Menefield and Sheila Williams' “Fierce” ( July 14, 16, 18, 21, and 23), and Giacomo Puccini's “Tosca” ( July 22, 24 and 25).
In particular, “Castor and Patience” tells the story of two cousins from an African-American family who find themselves at odds over the fate of a historic parcel of land they have inherited in the American South. A relevant tale considering ongoing pleas for racial justice across the country, the opera pinpoints historical and continuing obstacles to Black land ownership in the United States. Gregory Spears notably composed Cincinnati Opera's acclaimed 2016 commission “Fellow Travelers.” Tracy K. Smith served as the U.S. Poet Laureate from 2017 to 2019 and also received the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.
In addition, “Fierce,” a collaboration with WordPlay Cincy, The Music Resource Center – Cincinnati, and i.imagine, is an empowering tale of four teenage girls who face struggles with school, family and friendship. Interviews with WordPlay and MRC participants inspired the opera's libretto by novelist SheilaWilliams. William Menefield is a Cincinnati native. “Fierce” will be helmed by D. Lynn Meyers, producing artistic director of Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, who will make her Cincinnati Opera debut as stage director and dramaturg.
“We realize that planning to produce a full opera season in these uncertain times can seem audacious,” said Evans Mirageas, Cincinnati Opera Artistic Director. “But as long as there is a chance that conditions allow us to inspire our community through live opera performances again, that will be our goal. We look to the future with optimism and embrace the same bold vision we have always had. That said, our plans are necessarily contingent on conditions that will allow us to ensure a safe experience for all. If we conclude we cannot, we'll be prepared to adjust our programming and will communicate broadly with our patrons about their options.”
For more information, visit cincinnatiopera.org.
Dayton Live National Geographic Live Season Update
Dayton Live has adjusted its National Geographic Live, threepart speaker series programming.
“Andy Mann: From Summit to Sea” will be presented Sunday, May 16 at 3 p.m. and Monday, May 17 at 7 p.m. at the Victoria Theatre. The work of this award-winning filmmaker and photographer seeks to bridge the gap between science and policy. From his early days as a rock climber to his current passion documenting the critically endangered oceanic whitetip shark, his images tell the story of our rapidly changing planet.
“Ronan Donovan: Social By Nature” will be presented Sunday, June 20 at 3 p.m. and Monday, June 21 at 7 p.m. at the Victoria Theatre. The biologist-turnedreporter will discuss the fascinating similarities humans share with other social mammals in the animal kingdom such as chimpanzees, wolves and gorillas.
“Kara Cooney: WhenWomen Ruled theWorld” will be presented Sunday, July 11 at 3 p.m. and Monday, July 12 at 7 p.m. at the Victoria Theatre. Cooney, professor of Egyptology, will introduce audiences to strong female leaders throughout history whose power was compromised from the start.
The National Geographic Live events conclude with a question and answer session. Season tickets start at $75. For tickets or more information, call (937) 2283630 or visit daytonlive.org.
Dayton Theatre Guild plans 2021 return
The Dayton Theatre Guild tentatively plans to open its 20202021 season in February with Paul Osborn's “Morning's at Seven” (Feb. 5-21). For more information, visit daytontheatreguild.org.