Ridgefield Playhouse to Screen THE MERRY WIDOW, TALES OF HOFFMAN & JOHN Live in HD in January

How exhilarating are the operas and plays broadcast Live in HD to The Ridgefield Playhouse, complete with behind-the-scenes tours and commentary by some of the genres' most revered stars. From London's National Theatre on Sunday, January 11, at 4 p.m., JOHN authentically depicts the real-life stories of more than 50 men asked about love and sex. JOHN contains adult themes, strong language and nudity. Suitable for 18yrs+. From the Met in New York City comes Lehár's The Merry Widow stars Renée Fleming on Saturday, January 17, at 6 p.m. The Met will also bring Offenbach's Les Contes D'Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann) with magnetic tenor Vittorio Grigoloto to the theater on Saturday, January 31, at 12 p.m.

Internationally renowned DV8 Physical Theatre brings their powerful new production of JOHN to the National Theatre. DV8 Physical Theatre has produced 18 highly acclaimed dance-theatre works and four films for television, which have garnered more than 50 national and international awards. JOHN authentically depicts real-life stories, combining movement and spoken word to create an intense and moving theatrical experience. Artistic Director Lloyd Newson interviewed more than 50 men asking them frank questions, initially about love and sex. One of those men was John. What emerged was a story that is both extraordinary and touching. Years of crime, drug use and struggling to survive lead John on a search in which his life converges with others, in an unexpected place, unknown by most.

The great Renée Fleming stars as the beguiling femme fatale who captivates all of Paris in Lehár's enchanting operetta, The Merry Widow, seen in a new staging by Broadway virtuoso director and choreographer Susan Stroman (The Producers, Oklahoma!, Contact). Stroman and her design team of Julian Crouch (Satyagraha, The Enchanted Island) and costume designer William Ivey Long (Cinderella, Grey Gardens, Hairspray) have created an art-nouveau setting that climaxes with singing and dancing grisettes at the legendary Maxim's. Nathan Gunn co-stars as Danilo and Kelli O'Hara is Valencienne. Andrew Davis conducts.

The magnetic tenor Vittorio Grigolo takes on the tortured poet and unwitting adventurer of the title of Offenbach's operatic masterpiece, Les Contes d'Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann), in the Met's wild, kaleidoscopic production. Soprano Hibla Gerzmava faces the operatic hurdle of singing all three heroines-each an idealized embodiment of some aspect of Hoffmann's desire. Thomas Hampson portrays the shadowy Four Villains, and Yves Abel conducts the sparkling score.

Bernard's will offer a special $45 prix-fixe menu at Bernard's (20 West Lane, Ridgefield), or a free glass of wine with dinner the night of these events; reservations suggested. The Live in HD Series are underwritten by Jeanne Cook, Anita and Nicholas Donofrio, Liz and Steven Goldstone, Marilyn and Joe Kreitz, Joanne and John Patrick, Sabina and Walter Slavin and Taylor Zemo Foundation with support from The Ridgefield Press and Whistle Stop Bakery.

For tickets ($25 adults, $18 each for either series, $20 seniors & $15 students by calling the box office; Met Live in HD opera tickets are free for students 18 & under by showing ID at box office), call (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.