Arizona Opera 2006-2007

During the next few months, consider transporting yourself to desolate castles, Romantic châteaux, enchanted gardens, a small house overlooking Nagasaki harbor, and finally a cabin in the Appalachian Mountains. These locales belong to the operas Macbeth, The Marriage of Figaro, Madama Butterfly, Beauty & the Beast, and Susannah, the five operas that will make up the Arizona Opera’s 2006-2007 season.

The Marriage of Figaro
Dates: November 16, 17, 18, and 19, 2006
Location: Symphony Hall, Phoenix
Stirred by the majestic music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and considered one of his greatest achievements, Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) follows the escapades of Figaro on his wedding day to Susanna. As the two lovers anxiously make their plans, mayhem unfolds within the palace walls as Figaro’s master, the conniving Count Almaviva, tries to seduce the bride. A parade of other colorful characters scheme and stumble their way to finding their hearts’ desires, but by the end of the crazy day, Figaro finally weds his devoted Susanna. Amid Mozart’s beautiful score, the richly gilded sets, the lavish costumes and powdered wigs, world renowned baritone Sir Thomas Allen directs this joyful, comedic opera. The opera will be sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Madama Butterfly
Dates: January 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29, 2007
Location: Symphony Hall, Phoenix

Love is all-consuming for a young Japanese girl who marries an American naval officer named Benjamin Pinkerton. Even after three years without a word from him, Madama Butterfly faithfully awaits his return, imagining the joy of their reunion. When he finally returns she learns that he has married someone else. Yet they share a powerful bond: their child, Sorrow. Will Pinkerton's conscience bring him back to the family he abandoned? Or will hope at last die for Madama Butterfly? Rich with emotion and gorgeous lyrical arias, Madama Butterfly transports audiences to the world of 19th century Nagasaki. Renowned director Colin Graham brings the force of this heartbreaking opera to the stage. The opera will be sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Beauty & the Beast
Dates: March 8, 9, 10, and 11, 2007
Location: Symphony Hall, Phoenix

Enter a fascinating world of human topiaries and fantastic bird women that is truly a feast for both your eyes and ears. Beauty and the Beast made its debut in 1771 France where Queen Marie Antoinette marveled at this charming spectacle and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart used it for inspiration for his Magic Flute. Whimsical, stirring and sumptuous, Beauty is the familiar fairy tale of Prince Azor, who has been transformed into a hideous beast as punishment for his selfish character. The cursed Beast roams his magical garden alone until he meets Beauty, who holds the key to his release In the end, Azor's unselfish love is declared, the enchantment is broken and the beast is transformed back into the handsome prince. Hailed last year at its premier in St. Louis, this lush production of Beauty and the Beast will certainly please both young and old. The opera will be sung in English with English surtitles.

Susannah
Dates: April 19, 20, 21, and 22, 2007
Location: Symphony Hall, Phoenix

In 1955 Carlisle Floyd recognized a contemporary reference when he adapted the biblical story of Susannah and the Elders for his first full length opera. Floyd referenced the “witch trials” of the McCarthy era in this tale of the innocent Susannah who stands falsely accused by the pious townsfolk of an Appalachian parish. From the breathtaking “Ain’t it a pretty night” to the wrenching, “Trees on the mountain,” we experience Susannah’s joy and defeat as she conjures up the moral strength to face a lecherous preacher and frenzied mob alone. With an ear to the region’s folk ballads and hymns, Floyd created a truly American opera, filled with the resonance and melodies of its people. The opera will be sung in English with English surtitles.

Ticket prices range from $25 to $125 and are available through Ticketmaster, or at the Arizona Opera online. You can also order tickets by phone from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 602-266-7464.

Thanks to the Arizona Opera for providing these details, and the descriptions of the operas.

_{All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.}

Photo Marriage of Figaro Provided Courtesy of Arizona Opera.