Taking advantage of technology that merges film with live stage production, The Metropolitan Opera is bringing their live performances to The Ridgefield Playhouse this season thanks to The Met’s Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series “The Met: Live in HD”. On Monday, October 25 at 3 p.m., the featured opera is “Boris Godunov” by Mussorgsky. In concert with its 10th anniversary, Rene Pape takes on one of the greatest bass roles under the direction of renowned theatre and opera director Peter Stein.
The Playhouse is proud to be affiliated with The Metropolitan Opera through this innovative program which includes 12 operas presented from October through May 2011 at the Playhouse. “The Met: Live in HD” series is Underwritten by Barker Welfare Foundation, Lori and John Berisford, Jeanne Cook, Anita and Nick Donofrio, The Goldstone Family Foundation, IBM, Madeline and Fritz Jelinek, Valerie and Greg Jensen, Marilyn and Joe Kreitz, Aline Lawrence, Joanne and John Patrick, Patricia and Stephen Ross, Daniela Sikora and Keitha Kinne, Sabina and Walter Slavin, Mike Taylor and Steve Zemo.
“Typically, going to see an opera can be an expensive event including the drive to New York, parking, the cost of tickets and dinner. Thanks to “The Met: Live in HD” initiative, an authentic opera experience is available right at The Ridgefield Playhouse in our intimate theater via satellite in high definition with surround sound,” enthuses Playhouse Executive Director Allison Stockel. The Met’s highly acclaimed project includes live interviews and special features which give audiences a rare look behind-the-scenes. The Los Angeles Times praised the series: The Met’s experiment of merging film with live performance has created a new art form… This venture may be the most significant development in opera since the supertitle.”
Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for members, seniors and students, or $198 ($16.50 per opera) for all 12 operas in the series. Call the box office at (203) 438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main St., Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org.
