University Park, Ill.—(ENEWSPF)–March 19, 2014 – Experience three classic American operas in one special afternoon at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University in “An Afternoon of One Acts” on March 30 at 4 p.m.
“The Telephone.” “A Hand of Bridge.” “The Old Maid and The Thief.”It’s like scenes out of a reality TV show, only better.
She’s distracted on the phone, he’s in love. What better way to get her attention than a quick phone call? This is “The Telephone” by Giancarlo Menotti. And then there are the two couples whose lives unravel over a hand of bridge, courtesy of Samuel Barber’s “A Hand of Bridge.”Or the lonely spinster who falls for the guy who’s robbing her house in Menotti’s “The Old Maid and the Thief.”
This performance is part of the popular “Opera Up Close” series sponsored by First Midwest Bank, offering a unique experience for up to 200 people. Rather than experiencing the music from the perspective of the auditorium, patrons are seated onstage for an unforgettable vantage point. Audience members will be in for a delicious mix of drama, humor and vocal talent as celebrated singers bring tales of love, intrigue and woe to life.
The vocalists include– sopranos Desiree Hassler and Susan Nelson; mezzo-soprano Pamela Williams; Baritones Michael Cavalieri and Kirk Greiner and tenor Thomas Potter. Piano accompaniment is provided by music director, Marta Johnson, who is the current music director at Emerald City Theatre and a pianist for the Lyric Opera’s “OperaKids” program. Instrumentalists include Frank Babbitt (violin and viola) and David Orlicz (clarinet and flute).
“Opera Up Close” is directed by John Concepcion, recent recipient of The American Prize in Vocal Performance in Opera, 2011 (second place), and a finalist in the Bel Canto Regional Voice Competition.
Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at www.centertickets.net or by calling (708) 235-2222.
Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois 60484. The box office is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Saturdays and two hours prior to performances.
Programming is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
Source: govst.edu
