Ridgefield Playhouse to Screen ROMEO ET JULIETTE, LA FANICULLA DEL WEST & 'THE CURIOUS CASE' in August

August will sizzle with spectacular events Live in HD at The Ridgefield Playhouse. First up are operas from the Met: Gounod's Roméo et Juliette starring acclaimed soprano Anna Netrebko and tenor Robert Alagna on Saturday, August 16, and Puccini's La Fanciulla del West with Deborah Voigt on Friday, August 29. National Theatre London's broadcast of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will enthrall on Friday, August 22. These events start at 6 p.m. To make the evening even more special, Bernard's (20 West Lane, Ridgefield) is offering a special $45 prix-fixe menu, or a free glass of wine with dinner the night of these events when tickets are presented; reservations suggested. These series are 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 with media sponsor WSHU Public Radio Group.

In Gounod's operatic interpretation of Shakespeare's timeless love story, Roméo et Juliette, which will be nothing less than extraordinary, soprano Anna Netrebko teams up with tenor Roberto Alagna in a sensual interpretation. Originally premiered in 1867, Gounod's opera was a triumph in its time and is still praised today for its remarkable musical take on Shakespeare. Plácido Domingo presides on the conductor's podium for this tour-de-force presentation. Anna Netrebko has been described by The Associated Press as "the reigning new diva of the 21st century," and her male counterpart, Roberto Alagna, was made a Knight of the French Legion of Honor (2008).

The award winning play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will be a memorable event to experience in high definition. This show, adapted by Simon Stephens from the novel by Mark Haddon, was awarded Best New Play at the 2013 Olivier Awards ceremony and tied the record for winning the most Olivier Awards in a single year. Mark Haddon reflected on the play's success with a timely comparison: "We may have a War Horse on our hands." The Curious Incident tells the story of a young boy who has a mathematical gift, but also appears to have Asperger's Syndrome. The play follows a mystery surrounding the death of a neighbor's dog. Viewers will be roped into this intriguing plot and outstanding performance.

It's not easy to find the right talent to interpret the songs in Puccini's La Fanciulla del West, but Deborah Voigt and Marcello Giordani play their star roles with aplomb. Alongside conductor Nicola Luisotti, these opera singers wow their audiences. This opera takes place at a miners' camp in California from 1849 to 1850. As various men swoon after Minnie, the "girl of the golden west," different arguments and conflict arise. This dazzling production will enthrall.

For tickets ($25 adults, $20 seniors and members, $15 students, $18 each for all 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.