Opera Theatre to Present Opera Bytes in the Spirit of All Hallows' Eve, Oct. 25-26
JONESBORO -- The Department of Music at Arkansas State University will present the Opera Theatre in “Opera Bytes in the Spirit of All Hallows’ Eve” in Riceland Hall, Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Dr., Thursday and Friday, Oct. 25 and 26, at 7:30 p.m.
The pianist for the opera is Luca Strazzullo. The Opera Theatre is under the direction of Dr. Marika Kyriakos, associate professor of music.
“This opening event is sure to entertain all members of the family. As the title suggests, the audience will enjoy scenes involving creatures of the night, such as vampires, witches, aliens, and perhaps even a fairy or two,” according to a spokesman for Opera Theatre.
All operatic excerpts will be sung in English, as well as a few spooky songs during scene changes. On the familiar side, “Hansel and Gretel,” as well as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” will be a part of the evening’s festive scenarios. Perhaps not so familiar is “Help, Help, the Globolinks!” by Menotti.
To add to this dramatic event, the cast invites the audience to join in the festivities by attending in costume. Prizes will be given for the exceptionally creative!
“Opera Bytes” will be performed in honor of Joy Sanford, who has played for countless ASU Opera Theatre productions in previous years.
Participants in the ASU Opera Theatre also would like to remember their former associate, Jessalyn Phillips, who passed away unexpectedly last fall. Donations in her honor may be made to the Jessalyn Phillips Living Memorial (ASU Foundation-Opera.)
ASU Opera Theatre personnel include: Dennese Adkins of Cabot, Crystal Aronson of Paragould, Michelle Byrd of Pine Bluff, Rebecca Craft of Jonesboro, Chris Orr of Jonesboro, John Phillians of Wynne, Erin Reagan of Munford, Tenn., Aaron Simpson of New Orleans, and Kyle Smith of Forrest City.
Tickets are available now at the ASU Box Office (870-972-2781). They are $8 for adults (in advance); $10 for adults (at the door); and $5 for students and children. For more information about the performance or ASU music, please feel free to contact the Music Office at (870) 972-2094.
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