Dallas Opera To Simulcast MOBY DICK In Dallas And Wichita Falls

By: Sep. 23, 2016
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The Dallas Opera is thrilled to announce the fourteenth in a series of free public simulcasts, this time involving a game-changing Dallas Opera production: Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer's critically acclaimed twenty-first century masterpiece: MOBY-DICK, starring world-renowned helden tenorJay Hunter Morris as Captain Ahab.

The special simulcast presentation in Dallas and Wichita Falls, Texas, will coincide with opening night of the production on Friday, November 4, 2016 (program begins at 6:30 p.m., curtain time, 7:30 p.m.). Patrons across North Texas will have two simulcast venues to choose from:

The Greater Dallas Simulcast will be held at Klyde Warren Park, located at 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas, TX 75201. Sign up today for reminders at www.dallasopera.org/simulcast. This is a free, public space and no reservations of any kind are required to attend.

The "Opera in the Falls" Simulcast will take place in Kay Yeager Coliseum, 1000 5th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. Sign up today at www.dallasopera.org/operainthefalls. Presenting Sponsor, The Priddy Foundation.

This superb, action-packed opera will originate from the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center and will be presented on high-definition LED screens. There is no charge for admission to either venue.

Moby-Dick set a new standard for contemporary opera when it first took audiences by storm in 2010. The original production incorporates an epic set design by Robert Brill, stunning video projections by Elaine J. McCarthy, and period-authentic costumes designed by Jane Greenwood with lighting by Gavan Swift.

Heggie's sweeping, neo-Romantic score will be performed by The Dallas Opera Orchestra and The Dallas Opera Chorus, as well as internationally acclaimed singers conducted by the Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director EmManuel Villaume.

The simulcast itself will be produced by The Dallas Opera and hosted from Klyde Warren Park by KLUV'SJody Dean and KristIan Roberts, Education Program Senior Manager for The Dallas Opera.

The Wichita Falls Simulcast will be hosted locally by KFDX 3 News Anchor Gwyn Bevel.

Support for The Dallas Opera's Moby-Dick Simulcast is generously provided by the AT&T Performing Arts Center and The Priddy Foundation (the Presenting Sponsor for the Wichita Falls Moby-Dick Simulcast).

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Something new will be added to the mix this fall: The Dallas Opera Arts Reach Committee (headed byMaile Shea) will host a Family Activity Zone at Klyde Warren Park from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. that same day. Fun-filled activities for the kiddos will include

· A "Show and Tell" session featuring actual props from the Dallas Opera production of Moby-Dick

· A scavenger hunt in the park

· A Moby-Dick-inspired photo opportunity

· Additional educational activities and crafts

The pre-performance festivities (beginning at 6:30 p.m.) will include opportunities for trivia lovers to win prizes, as well as a special screening of the hilarious 1948 Warner Brothers cartoon "Buccaneer Bunny," directed by Fritz Freleng and pitting a cheerfully cheeky Bugs Bunny ("What a maroon!") against frustrated Pirate (Yosemite) Sam.

The cartoon begins on a remote island where the pirate is attempting to bury his treasure. Bugs, in a rabbit hole nearby, preens with jewels from the cache, prompting Pirate Sam to warn him that "Dead rabbits tell no tales."

From there, the action leaps aboard the anchored pirate ship - and the inevitable chase is on!

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The November 4th Dallas/Wichita Falls simulcasts will mark the fourteenth free public simulcast in TDO's ongoing series-as well as the company's first simulcast in Wichita Falls!

Wichita Falls Mayor Glenn Barham says his city "has a lot of good things happening...A live simulcast ofMoby-Dick will be a great opportunity for many in our community to see exactly what the arts offer.

"We are looking forward to this simulcast and will be on the front row-if the seats are available."

"Since launching The Dallas Opera's free simulcast program six years ago, with support from The Dallas Opera Board and our union partners," notes Keith Cerny, the Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO, "it has proven to be one of our most significant innovations, attracting tens of thousands to experience opera in many different cities and venues-in an entirely different way. For first-time opera-goers, this event is a real eye opener!

"And what a thrill to see The Dallas Opera simulcasts evolving into a popular North Texas tradition! These days, I'm asked by people from all walks of life, when we plan to host our next simulcast. It's especially gratifying to be able to present a revival of this extraordinary Dallas Opera world premiere production-with the phenomenal Jay Hunter Morris as Ahab, renowned artists like Stephen Costello and Morgan Smith who created these roles in 2010, and a few new twists!"

"Audiences in both cities," Cerny adds, "can expect an unforgettable theatrical experience from this powerful twenty-first-century classic with its all-star cast."

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The public is encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot on the lawn and take advantage of the variety of available wining-and-dining options ranging from Savor, serving New American cuisine and classic cocktails and desserts in a modern on-site "gastropub," to other nearby eateries and food trucks. Those interested in attending are advised to mark their calendars and stand up to be counted at www.dallasopera.org/simulcast/.

 

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