Worcester Opera Works' presents Comic Operas

Worcester Opera Works presents their fully staged production of Mozart's timeless classic "The Impresario" and "The Beautiful Bridegroom" by Boston composer Dan Shore, both performed in English at Gordon Hall (First Baptist Church, 111 Park Avenue, Worcester) on February 22 (8:00 p.m.), 23 (8:00 p.m.) and 24 (2:00 p.m.), with a pre-performance lecture by Dr. Richard Kimball 30 minutes before each performance. Additional performances are planned in Newton (February 29, 8:00 p.m.) and Northampton (March 2, 3:00 p.m.)

In Mozart's "The Impresario" a small time opera company has big time problems, spurred on by the rivalry between the resident diva and an up-and-coming ingénue. In this premier of "The Beautiful Bridegroom", when a widow decides she'd rather get a husband for herself than for her unmarried daughters, her maid and the matchmaker plot twists in this tale that take everyone by surprise. Worcester Opera Works continues to bring local singers and local audiences together. Featured in "The Beautiful Bridegroom" are Angeliki Theoharis, Elisabeth Gondek, Erin Conley, Lisa Woods, Jacque Eileen Wilson and Elaine Crane, and the cast of "The Impresario" includes Jeff Black, Dave Bonneau, Rebecca Grimes, Thaddeus Bourne, Stephanie Mann and Ian Watson, who also serves as musical director of both operas.

Of last season’s production of "The Marriage of Figaro", John Zeugner of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette raved that, “This splendid production by Worcester Opera Works demonstrates the depth of the talent in the area,” and went on to say that, “Such home-grown magical music-making deserves celebration, support and, most of all, profound gratitude.”

Tickets are $18 general admission, $16 senior/student ($2 more per ticket after 2/17/08), with a school vacation special of just $10 for grades 12 and under. Tickets are available online (www.worcesteroperaworks.com)or by mail (P.O. Box 33, Rutland, MA 01543.) Email tickets@worcesteroperaworks.com or call 508-930-7062 for more information.

Worcester Opera Works, a non-profit corporation, has been pursuing its two-fold mission of opera performance and education in Central Massachusetts and beyond since 2003. Its touring opera for children has visited schools and community groups throughout the state, and the group has performed many concerts, recitals, opera scenes programs and a full-length grand opera, all of which feature local singers and artists.