Bijou Theatre's Opera in Cinema Series to Present MANON, 4/4; Discussion to Follow

BRIDGEPORT, CT (Wednesday, March 25th, 2015) - The Bijou Theatre presents Manon by Jules Massenet, from the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin, as a part of their Opera in Cinema Series playing on a new day Saturday, April 4th at 11:00am. Discussion of the Opera starts at 10:30am. Tickets are $20 for general admission seating.

From "dream team" of the opera stage to "dream team" of classic and pop - Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazón have long since conquered the entire world of music. Manon, the tragic heroine of Massenet's work, is torn between flirtatiousness and profound love, between frivolity and deep commitment. Netrebko seems predestined for this role, with her body language alternating between girlish, introspective and carefree, and her voice radiating brilliance, warmth, mystery and longing. As the impoverished young nobleman Des Grieux, Rolando Villazón compellingly depicts the burning passion of an ultimately doomed lover with his glowing, supple, slender tenor voice.

Conductor: Daniel Barenboim, Director: Vincent Paterson, Starring: Anna Netrebko | Rolando Villazón

Number of acts: Opera in 5 acts; Total running time: 2 hours 39 min; Sung in French

Discussion with Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, Chair of the Music Department, University of Bridgeport begins at 10:30am; Opera begins at 11:00am
The Bijou Performing Arts Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing visual and performing arts programs and events for the community. The Bijou Performing Arts Center offers educational programs in Dance though New England Ballet, Music & Theatre, as well as special events and live theatre performances. Private donations, grants, tuition fees & ticket sales fund the Bijou Arts Center, which is located at 275 Fairfield Avenue in Downtown Bridgeport. The Bijou Theatre, one of the oldest buildings in the country used as a movie house, reopened its doors in 2011. In addition to continuing its historic character of showing movies, the Theatre offers a full repertoire of live music, comedy, theater and dance, which can be enjoyed in either theater seating or cabaret style. The Bijou Theatre is a multi-functional venue with integrity and an open-minded philosophy- a symposium for film, theatre, art, comedy and music. The Theatre is available for private rentals, holiday parties, corporate events, and much more. For further information, call (203) 332-3228 or visit thebijoutheatre.com.