Chattanooga's Majestic 12 Theater, 311 Broad St., is among the Carmike locations scheduled to screen two cultural events the next two Sundays. The Royal Opera House's "Nabucco" will be shown May 12. A presentation of "Giselle" by the Royal Ballet of London will follow on May 19.
"Nabucco": This new production of a genre-defining masterwork marks a major-role debut for baritone Placido Domingo, who will be singing the title role for the first time.
The cast also includes Ukrainian soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska as the power-hungry priestess Abigaille. Acclaimed theater and opera director Daniele Abbado makes his Royal Opera debut directing this co-production by the London opera house and its Italian counterpart, La Scala, Milan.
The plot is based on the biblical story of King Nebuchadnezzar (Nabucco) and focuses on his imprisonment of the Hebrews, his struggle against his unscrupulous daughter, Abigaille, his divine punishment and final salvation.
Verdi's rich score is said to offer some of the greatest choral music ever written, with melody, power and raw drama on a scale that does full justice to the opera's epic themes of nationhood, faith, love and redemption. The production calls upon the full might of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and Royal Opera Chorus.
The production runs 170 minutes, with one intermission. Single seats are $15, groups of 10 or more $12.50.
"Giselle": This work is considered one of the most influential of all Romantic ballets, as well as one of the greatest and most popular works of the dance canon and of The Royal Ballet's repertory.
The title role presents the transcendental power of a woman's love in the face of betrayal and is one of the most technically demanding and emotionally challenging roles in classical dance.
Dancing the title role of the beautiful, young peasant girl will be Marianela Nuñez. Other featured performers are Rupert Pennefather as Albrecht, the deceitful nobleman with whom she falls in love, and Gary Avis as Hilarion, the peasant who loves Giselle.
Also drawing praise are Peter Wright's sensitive staging and the atmospheric designs by John Macfarlane, which work in tandem to heighten the contrast as the story moves between the human and supernatural worlds.
The production runs 150 minutes with an intermission. Single seats are $15, groups of 10 or more $12.50.
For more information, visit www.carmike.com.