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How can I learn more about the operas being
performed by Opera Providence
In addition to the reading materials and resources included
here for each of our opera productions, Opera
Providence also hosts Pre-Opera Lectures, a casual and free 30-minute
introduction to the story of the opera being presented as well as details of
Opera Providence's production of the work. Each
lecture is held one hour prior to performance time, in the
seating area of the theater.
When do tickets go on sale?
Season tickets (also known as subscriptions) are usually available year-round.
Single tickets (individual tickets to a specific opera) typically go on sale one
month prior to the opening of the season.
I am always late. How can I get to the Opera on time?
We know Providence traffic is can
sometimes slow you down, so we suggest that you plan to arrive at
VMA at least 30 minutes before the opera begins. If
you have to pick up tickets at Will Call or purchase tickets, allow even more
time.
You might also want to consider coming early and catching one of our Pre-Opera
Lectures. These casual and free 30-minute introductions to the story of the
opera being presented are held one hour prior to performance time in the
theater.
What happens if I'm late?
As a courtesy to the artists and already-seated patrons, we cannot allow anyone
into the theatre after the performance has begun. If there is an appropriate
seating break or scene change in the first act, latecomers may be seated at that
time; however, if there is not an appropriate break, latecomers will be seated
at the first intermission.
Are your singers from Rhode Island?
Yes and no. Our principal singers or leading roles are filled with the very best
young and established American professional opera singers. Many of them call New
York, Chicago, San Francisco, even Switzerland or Munich home. Our comprimario
or supporting cast roles are cast with a mixture of local and out-of-town
professional opera singers. All the members of our chorus and most of the
members of our orchestra are from Rhode Island and the
surrounding area.
Can I bring my child to the opera?
That really depends on the specific opera and also on the age and maturity level
of your child. Very small children often do not have the patience to sit through
lengthy productions, and some operas have adult themes that may be confusing or
inappropriate for children. However, many children enjoy the spectacle and
beauty of opera, and they usually enjoy it tremendously. If you have any
questions or concerns about the content or production aspects of any of our
operas, please contact us at 401.331.6060 or
info@operaprovidence.org
If you do decide to bring your child, please remember that they also need a
ticket to get in.
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What's the difference between a Broadway
musical and an opera?
Actually Broadway musicals and operas are very similar. In fact, many consider
the Broadway musical as America's version of or contribution to opera. Purists
say the difference between Broadway and opera is that Broadway contains spoken
dialogue and opera is completely sung through. However, there are many operas
that have spoken dialogue (Mozart's The Magic Flute for example) and
there are musicals that are completely sung through (Andrew Lloyd Webber's
The Phantom of the Opera for example). Now what primarily remains the
biggest distinction between Broadway and opera is that in a Broadway musical all
the singers are electronically amplified with microphones, while opera singers
are not amplified. And to many, the magic of opera is just that, hearing such
glorious sounds and volume being produced solely by a human being.
Opera is a wonderful
art form, and is among the oldest of the performing arts in the world. It
brings together virtually all of the live performing arts in one presentation
that combines the talents of writers, lyricists, composers, singers, musicians,
directors, conductors, costume designers, scenic designers, builders, painters,
lighting & sound designers/ engineers, and special effects.
The traditional (and
most popular) operas were written and are performed in the native language of the
composer (Italian, French, German). Audiences today are able to enjoy the
traditional presentation of the world's favorite operas (performed in their
original language) by taking advantage of the wealth of information available
about each opera, the characters, story line, songs & music, including:
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