Boston Midsummer Opera to Present MARTHA, 7/29-8/2

Celebrating its tenth season production, the Boston Midsummer Opera (BMO) will present Friedrich von Flotow's charming romantic comedy, Martha. Performed in English, fully staged and costumed, Martha will be presented at the Tsai Performance Center, Boston University for three performances only, July 29, 21 and August 2.

Last performed in Boston over 50 years ago by the Metropolitan Opera, Martha contains two of the most famous arias in the operatic repertoire, sparkling ensembles, and the luminously tender "Goodnight" Quartet.

A light, romantic comedy, the story is timeless. Lady Harriet and her friend Nancy disguise themselves as servant girls and are hired by two local farmers. In the unexpected twists and turns of the plot that follow, all of them learn that appearances may be deceiving but that the language of the heart cannot be ignored.

The cast will feature acclaimed soprano Joanna Mongiardo (Lady Harriet/Martha); Spanish-American tenor Eric Barry (Lionel); contralto Stephanie Kacoyanis (Nancy); bass Jason Budd (Plunkett) and bass-baritone David Cushing (Sir Tristam) and the Boston Midsummer Ensemble.

Noted director James O'Leary stages the production, and nationally acclaimed conductor Susan Davenny Wyner will lead the BMO orchestra. The design team includes Stephen Dobay, (sets), John Cuff, (lighting), and Elisabetta Polito (costumes).

Founded in 2006, Boston Midsummer Opera creates vibrant experiences designed to ward off the summer doldrums. Sung in English and imaginatively staged, BMO makes opera both accessible and affordable by mounting dynamic productions with nationally and internationally known artists that will attract new listeners as well as appeal to discriminating opera fans.

Performances of Martha are Wednesday, July 29, and Friday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, August 2 at 3:00 p.m. at the Tsai Performance Center at Boston University, 685 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. A pre-opera talk with Director James O'Leary and Richard Dyer will take place one hour before performance time.

Tickets, priced at $60.00 to $40.00 for all performances, are available, online at www.bostonmidsummeropera.org, by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006, or by mailing a request to Boston Midsummer Opera, Box 513, 66 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114. For more information, visit www.bostonmidsummeropera.org