Michael Baumgarten News

Yes, a grand opera was inserted at Belk Theater as the clock or calendar was winding down! Around the world, Callas, Nilsson, and Sutherland are among the divas who have graced the powerhouse role of TURANDOT, and Franco Zeffirelli's production at the Met is as revered for its stateliness and splendor as the Notre Dame Cathedral. Grand? Monumental.

'In Our Silence' is a 75-minute song cycle that responds immediately to this moment in the world, exploring the musical ties that connect us all, even as we are isolated from each other. The film of the song cycle will premiere in three parts during live events December 3, 10, & 17 at 8 p.m. EST on Chautauqua Institution's CHQ Assembly platform.

Opera Carolina has put a lot of trendy fun into its new take on Verdi's MACBETH, a bit over-the-top at times in applying 'Game of Throne' style - but never off-target

The spectacularly musical, touchingly dramatic, surprisingly funny and profoundly moving chamber opera, AS ONE, by Laura Kaminsky, Kimberly Reed and Mark Campbell, made its long-overdue return to New York on Thursday, in a production by Matt Gray as part of New York City Opera's spring season.

New York City Opera's (under the direction of Michael Capasso, General Director) co-production of AS ONE will open this Thursday, May 30 at 8pm and run for four performances only through Thursday, June 6. The opera, a co-production with American Opera Projects and Kaufman Music Center, has music and was conceived by Laura Kaminsky, a libretto by Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed, original film by Kimberly Reed, direction by Matt Gray, and will run at the Merkin Hall (129 West 67th Street).

New York City Opera has announced that Blythe Gaissert & Michael Kelly and Briana Elyse Hunter & Jorell Williams will comprise the rotating casts of its upcoming production of AS ONE.

THE LITTLE MERMAID elegantly concludes Festival Ballet Providence's ruby anniversary season. This production is certain to enchant younger audiences with its fairy-tale backdrop and its colorful characters, and discerning dance enthusiasts will unreservedly applaud the ballet's sophisticated choreography and skillful presentation.

The last time the Met did Puccini's LA FANCIULLA DEL WEST--GIRL OF THE GOLDEN WEST--it was such a dispiriting affair that I was ready to write it off as past its expiration date. New York City Opera to the rescue!, opening its season with a lively revival of the Italian master's work about the California Gold Rush and the tough-babe-with-a-heart-of-marshmallow who runs the saloon.

After a critically acclaimed 2016/2017 season, New York City Opera is again at the forefront of New York's cultural season, opening its 2017/2018 season on September 6, 2017 at 7:30PM with a new production of Puccini's La fanciulla del West directed by Ivan Stefanutti with James Meena conducting the New York City Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Soprano Kristin Sampson returns to City Opera to sing the role of Minnie, joined by tenor Jonathan Burton as Dick Johnson in his City Opera debut, and bass-baritone Kevin Short as Jack Rance.

Stars of Traditionz Entertainment and Screenwriter/Director Michael Baumgarten's award winning action comedy family film 'PAYING MR. McGETTY' celebrated at this year's Sunscreen Film Festival held annually in St. Petersburg Florida.

When Puccini's The Girl of the West premieres in Charlotte, it will be the culmination of a nearly two-year partnership between Opera Carolina, New York City Opera, Teatro Lirico in Cagliari, Sardenia and the Teatro di Giglio in Lucca, Italy - Puccini's hometown, with additional performances in Pisa, Livorno and Modena, Italy

An anti-bullying film, The Martial Arts Kid will open only in theatres on September 18th in New York and Los Angeles, which will then quickly be followed by other top markets including Chicago, Texas, Florida and Washington, DC.

Pittsburgh, PA… Pittsburgh Opera opens its 77th season with a grand, traditional production of Verdi's opera NABUCCO. On stage October 10, 13, 16, and 18, NABUCCO brings a fusion of epic scale and intimate family drama to the Benedum Center. Pittsburgh favorite Mark Delavan (seen here as Falstaff 2009, Scarpia/Tosca2012, and Rigoletto 2013) stars as the troubled monarch, and rising star Csilla Boross takes the fiendishly difficult role of his treacherous daughter Abigaille, in her Pittsburgh debut. Music Director Antony Walker conducts the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra and Chorus; Bernard Uzan is director and co-designer of the traditional set and its projections. Tickets start at $12.

An anti-bullying film, The Martial Arts Kid will open only in theatres on September 18th in New York and Los Angeles, which will then quickly be followed by other top markets including Chicago, Texas, Florida and Washington, DC.

 The 7th Burbank International Film Festival, which will run September 9th through 13th, announced its full lineup today, including 100 films from 31 countries, 25 world premieres, 22 award categories, and opening and closing night screenings. The Burbank International Film Festival is open to the public, with tickets available at www.burbankfilmfest.org

The Burbank International Film Festival is pleased to announce the 2015 program including several world premieres, and a record-breaking 700 submissions from independent filmmakers representing 31 countries. Now in its 7th year, the Burbank International Film Festival will screen more than 75 films at the AMC Theaters in Downtown Burbank from Wednesday September 9, through Sunday, September 13, 2015.  

It's the timeless quality of the tale that have inspired director Bernard Uzan to set his production of Faust, first produced at Arizona Opera in 2011 and now re-staged for Austin Lyric Opera, in modern times. Unfortunately, despite the impeccable performances of the incredible cast, the tone and visuals of the production distract from Gounod's masterpiece rather than enhancing it.

After a 29-year absence from the Lyric Opera of Kansas City repertoire, the Company presents Verdi's Il Trovatore tonight, November 3 and November 7, 9 & 11, 2012 at the Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts.

After a 29-year absence from the Lyric Opera of Kansas City repertoire, the Company presents Verdi's Il Trovatore November 3, 7, 9, 11, 2012 at the Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts.

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City closes its 54th season with Rossini's The Barber of Seville, presented at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, through tonight, April 29, 2012. The production will be the final opera performed in the Luskin/Holmquist era at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City.