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Operas & Plays at Highlands Performing Arts Center
Written By: Mary Adair Trumbly - Highlands PAC | Issue: 2018/03 - March
March is a busy month at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. You’re invited to three MET Operas and two plays from the National Theatre of London.
PAC will present the National Theatre of London’s production of Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 3. On a steamy night in Mississippi, a Southern family gathers to celebrate Big Daddy’s birthday. The scorching heat is almost as oppressive as the lies they tell. Brick and Maggie dance round the secrets and sexual tensions that threaten to destroy their marriage. With the future of the family at stake, which version of the truth is real – and which will win out?
At 12:55 P.M. Saturday, March 10, it’s MET Opera’s “Semiramide” by Rossini. This masterpiece of dazzling vocal fireworks makes a rare Met appearance – its first in nearly 25 years. The all-star bel canto cast features Angela as the murderous Queen of Babylon, who squares off in breathtaking duets with Arsace, a trouser role (a part performed by an actress in men’s clothing) sung by Elizabeth DeShong.
MET Opera’s production of Puccini’s “La Bohéme” will be staged at 12:30 P.M. Saturday, March 17. The world’s most popular opera returns in Franco Zeffirelli’s classic production starring a cast of young stars, including Sonya Yoncheva as the fragile Mimì and Michael Fabiano as the poet Rodolfo. Marco Armiliato conducts.
The National Theatre of London’s production of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch returns for an encore performance at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 24. As a country arms itself for war, a family tears itself apart. Forced to avenge his father’s death but paralyzed by the task ahead, Hamlet rages against the impossibility of his predicament, threatening both his sanity and the security of the state.
MET Opera’s presentation of Mozart’s “Cosi fan tutte” will be staged at 12:55 P.M. Saturday, March 31. A winning cast comes together for Phelim McDermott’s clever vision of Mozart’s comedy about the sexes, set in a carnival-esque environment inspired by 1950s Coney Island, as pairs of young lovers test each other’s faithfulness.
Of course, before each MET Opera Beverly Wichman will lead a pre-opera discussion beginning a half hour before the opera begins.
Tickets are available at highlandspac.org, at the door, or by calling (828) 526-9047. Highlands Performing Arts Center is located at 507 Chestnut Street.
