A-State Opera to Present 'Speed Dating Tonight!"
JONESBORO – Coming to the A-State campus in March, Speed Dating Tonight! is a one-act comic opera with intimate and heart-felt elements that touch upon what we all strive for, a real human connection. It is one of the first operas to feature flexible casting. Performances will run from Thursday through Saturday, March 10-12, at 7:30 pm in Fowler Center’s Drama Theatre.
Composer Michael Ching (former director of Opera Memphis) based the score on a concept by Dean Anthony. Most of the “Dater’s” arias are in high, medium and low keys. The casting can be assigned at the director’s discretion because nearly all of the roles are not tied to a specific gender. Even the order of the show is open to transformation. The centerpiece of the opera is a series of 90-second “dates” which can be put together in whatever order or key desired.
Adjunct instructor of voice Bethania Baray, is directing the opera, and it will feature the following students: Cory Whitehurst, Becky Adams, Katelin Rickman, Baylee Stracener, Matt Crociata, Michelle Byrd, Crystal Kachevas, Ashlyn Pillow, David Norris, Greg Self, Hal Niederbrach, London Johnston, Jeffrey Steward and Janette Robinson.
Dr. Marika Kyriakos and Matthew Carey, professors of voice, also will make guest appearances in the show. The collaborative pianist will be Brian Henkelmann.
Tickets for the performances in March are available now at the A-State Box Office (870-972-ASU1). Prices are $10 adults (in advance); $15 adults (at the door); $5 students (A-State and the community) and children.
For more information about this concert or any other A-State music event, one may contact the Music Department at (870) 972-2094.
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