Chicago Opera Theater Presents THREE DECEMBERS 5/8-16

Chicago Opera Theater (COT) presents the final production of their 2010 Spring Festival Season – Jake Heggie's, THREE DECEMBERS on May 8, 12, 14, and 16 at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park. COT will also be presenting a one-night only concert with Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie on May 10, also at the Harris Theater. 

THREE DECEMBERS is based on a short play by Terrence McNally with a libretto by Gene Scheer. The show stars Frederica von Stade in her Chicago Opera Theater debut, and in her last operatic performances in Chicago before retirement.  In a role written for her by Heggie, Ms. von Stade plays Madeline, a famous actress struggling with her relationships with her two grown children, sung by Matthew Worth (baritone) and Sara Jakubiak (soprano).  

"We feel so privileged to have Frederica von Stade perform with Chicago Opera Theater," said COT General Director Brian Dickie. "I saw THREE DECEMBERS at its world premiere in Houston in 2008 - and I knew immediately that Chicago opera fans needed to see this moving and extremely effective piece of music theatre."

Composer Jake Heggie comes to Chicago directly from the world premiere of MOBY DICK at the Dallas Opera, and joins the orchestra of THREE DECEMBERS at the piano.  The orchestra is conducted by Stephen Hargreaves.  The production is directed and designed by Leonard Foglia, with costumes by Cesar Galindo, and original lighting by Brian Nason.  Keith Parham is the lighting designer for the COT production.

Frederica von Stade is described by The New York Times as "one of America's finest artists and singers." The mezzo-soprano has enriched the world of classical music for over three decades and her career has taken her to the stages of the world's great opera houses and concert halls.  Notable Chicago performances include Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro (1987 & 1991) and Rosina in The Barber of Seville (1989 & 1994) – both at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Jake Heggie composed such works as DEAD MAN WALKING, THE END OF THE AFFAIR and AT THE STATUE OF VENUS which was presented at COT's 2006 Spring Gala. Heggie opens the world-premiere of MOBY DICK at the Dallas Opera on April 30, 2010.

Matthew Worth returns to COT after singing the title role in 2009's Owen Wingrave. Matthew Worth was at once noble and touching as Owen, his bright, firm baritone filling out the vocal lines with deep understanding and sensitivity," said the Chicago Tribune.  Mr. Worth also sang Claudio in COT's 2007 production of Béatrice et Bénédict.

Sara Jakubiak makes her Chicago Opera Theater debut with Three Decembers.   Ms. Jakubiak has recently performed with the Los Angels Opera, the Syracuse Opera and the Seoul Arts Center in Korea, and was an apprentice artist at Santa Fe Opera in 2007.  

Three Decembers runs for four performances only on May 8, 12, 14, and 16, 2010 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, 205 East Randolph Drive, Chicago IL. Performance times are May 8, 12, 14 at 7:30 pm; May 16 at 3 pm. For press tickets, contact Colleen Flanigan at cflanigan@chicagooperatheater.org or at 312.704.8420, x225.

THREE DECEMBERS is generously sponsored by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Julie and Roger Baskes, James and Joan Shapiro, Orli and Bill Staley, National Endowment for the Arts, Erika Bruhn and Richard Johnson, and Robert and Sheila Rudolph.

An Evening with Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie

In addition to her starring role in THREE DECEMBERS, Frederica von Stade presents her final concert in Chicago before retirement. Accompanied by Jake Heggie, she will sing a program of Heggie's own works, as well as Copland, Hammerstein, Sondheim, Bernstein, and Bizet – just to name a few!

Chicago Opera Theater is also offering a VIP "Meet the Stars" Package – which includes an A+ ticket to the concert, followed by a party at the Mid-America Club with Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie.  A portion of the proceeds benefit Chicago Opera Theater.

"An Evening with Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie" is one night only on May 10, 2010 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, 205 East Randolph Drive. The exclusive reception is generously sponsored by New Amsterdam Gin, the Mid-America Club, and William Hill Estate Winery.

Season Subscriptions for the 2010 Spring Festival Season range from $90-$345 and include a ticket to Three Decembers, as well as Rossini's Moses in Egypt and Cavalli's Jason (Giasone).   

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets to THREE DECEMBERS range from $30-$120. Tickets to "An Evening with Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie" range from $25-$80.  The VIP "Meet the Stars" Package is $200 ($100 tax deductible). COT also offers a half-off discounted student rate in most sections.Tickets may be purchased at Chicago Opera Theater: ChicagoOperaTheater.org or 312.704.8414. Tickets may also be purchased at the Harris Theater: HarrisTheaterChicago.org or 312.334.7777.

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