Ridgefield Playhouse to Screen National Theatre Live's February Broadcasts Live in HD

The best seats for the Met operas and London's National Theatre may just be at The Ridgefield Playhouse when stunning shows are broadcast in HD. There is also the bonus of behind-the-scenes tours and commentary by some of the genres' most revered stars. From London's National Theatre on Sunday, February 15, at 3:30 p.m. comes superlative family entertainment -- Treasure Island (suitable for 10+ years). From the Met on Sunday, February 22, at 12 p.m., Tchaikovsky's Iolanta and Bartók's Bluebeard's Castle will enchant and thrill. Broadcast live from the West End by National Theatre, Skylight starring Carey Mulligan and Stephen Daldry, will be screened on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m.

Robert Louis Stevenson's story of murder, money and mutiny is brought to life in a thrilling new stage adaptation of Treasure Island by Bryony Lavery. It's a dark, stormy night. The stars are out. Jim, the innkeeper's granddaughter, opens the door to a terrifying stranger. At the old sailor's feet sits a huge sea chest, full of secrets. Jim invites him in, and her dangerous voyage begins.

On the heels of her triumphant Met performances in Eugene Onegin, soprano Anna Netrebko takes on another Tchaikovsky heroine in the first opera of this intriguing double bill, consisting of an enchanting fairy tale (Iolanta) followed by an erotic psychological thriller (Duke Bluebeard's Castle). Netrebko stars as the beautiful blind girl who experiences love for the first time in Iolanta, while Nadja Michael is the unwitting victim of the diabolical Bluebeard, played by Mikhail Petrenko. Both operas are directed by Mariusz Trelinski, who was inspired by classic noir films of the 1940s. Iolanta also stars Piotr Beczala, and Valery Gergiev conducts both operas.

Bill Nighy (Love Actually, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) and Carey Mulligan (Inside Llewyn Davis, The Great Gatsby) are featured in the highly anticipated production of David Hare's Skylight, directed by Stephen Daldry (The Audience), broadcast live from the West End by National Theatre Live. On a bitterly cold London evening, schoolteacher Kyra Hollis (Carey Mulligan) receives an unexpected visit from her former lover, Tom Sergeant (Bill Nighy), a successful and charismatic restaurateur whose wife has recently died. As the evening progresses, the two attempt to rekindle their once passionate relationship only to find themselves locked in a dangerous battle of opposing ideologies and mutual desires.

Bernard's will offer a special $45 prix-fixe menu at Bernard's (20 West Lane, Ridgefield), or a free glass of wine with dinner the night of these events; reservations suggested. The Live in HD Series are underwritten by Jeanne Cook, Anita and Nicholas Donofrio, Liz and Steven Goldstone, Marilyn and Joe Kreitz, Joanne and John Patrick, Sabina and Walter Slavin and Taylor Zemo Foundation with support from The Ridgefield Press and Whistle Stop Bakery.

For tickets ($25 adults, $18 each for either series, $20 seniors & $15 students by calling the box office; Met Live in HD opera tickets are free for students 18 & under by showing ID at box office), call (203) 438-5795, or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.

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