Ridgefield Playhouse to Screen Mozart's COSI FAN TUTTE & ROSSINI LA CENERENTOLA this Spring

The spectacular operas that grace the stage of the Met in New York come to The Ridgefield Playhouse through the power of high-definition broadcasts with exciting advantages: Exclusive behind-the scenes interviews with the stars and close-ups that capture the emotions of the cast. On Saturday, April 26, at 12:55 p.m., Music Director James Levine makes his long-awaited return to the Met podium to conduct Mozart's beloved opera, Così Fan Tutte, about testing the ties of love. The cast is filled with youthful Met stars: Susanna Phillips, Isabel Leonard, Matthew Polenzani, Rodion Pogossov and Danielle de Niese. Rossini's La Cenerentola will be Live in HD on Saturday, May 10, at 12:55 p.m., starring mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, singing her first Met performance of the Cinderella title role, and the high-flying tenor Juan Diego Flórez, as her Prince Charming. A peerless pair of Rossini virtuosos, it's a vocal tour de force for mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and Juan Diego Flórez. Alessandro Corbelli and Luca Pisaroni complete the cast, with Met Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi leading the effervescent score.

For the full dinner-and-opera experience, Bernard's (22 West Lane, Ridgefield) is offering a special $45 prix-fixe menu, or a free glass of wine with dinner, before or after these events, when tickets are presented; reservations suggested beginning at 5 p.m. This series is underwritten by Jeanne Cook, Anita and Nicholas Donofrio, Liz and Steven Goldstone, Marilyn and Joe Kreitz, Joanne and John Patrick, Starbucks Coffee, Sabina and Walter Slavin, Taylor Zemo Foundation, The Ridgefield Press and Whistle Stop Bakery.

For tickets ($25 adults, $20 seniors/members, $15 students, $18 each for all 10 in the series), call the box office at (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.