Productions from some of the world's greatest opera houses will be showcased in a new series playing at arts centers and movie houses nationwide.
East Ridge 18 is among the venues for four shows of Opera in Cinema, which opens Thursday with a performance of Carmen's "Bizet" from Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy. Following in April, May and June, respectively, are Verdi's "Il Trovatore," Monteverdi's "L'Orfeo" and Verdi's "Falstaff."
Each of the four productions will be screened twice, on Thursday nights and Sunday afternoons.
The series is a chance to "experience the world's greatest opera houses (with) no airfare required," according to publicity material.
East Ridge 18 is at 5080 South Terrace. For more information, visit www.operaincinema.com or www.ravemotionpictures.com (click on Special Events & 3D, then Opera & Ballet in the drop-down menu).
ABOUT 'CARMEN'
* Composer: Georges Bizet.
* Venue: Teatro alla Scala, Milan, Italy.
* Program notes: La Scala's opening night is regarded as one of European society's most important cultural events. This production features a new generation of opera stars, including German tenor Jonas Kaufmann (Don Jose), Uruguayan baritone Erwin Schrott (Escamillo), Italian soprano Adriana Damata (Micaela) and Georgian mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili (Carmen).
* Language: Sung in French with English subtitles.
* Dates: 7 p.m. Thursday and 1 p.m. March 21.
* Running time: 3 hours, plus one intermission.
* Tickets: $20.
SAVE THE DATE
* Verdi's "Il Trovatore," performed at Spain's Gran Teatre del Liceu, 7 p.m. April 15 and 1 p.m. April 18. $20.
* Monteverdi's "L'Orfeo," performed at Teatro alla Scala, Milan, 7 p.m. May 20 and 1 p.m. May 23. $20.
* Verdi's "Falstaff," performed at Opera Royal de Walloni in Liege, Belgium, 7 p.m. June 17 and 1 p.m. June 20. $20.