Opera Creations, an innovative Asheville-based opera company, is producing The Mikado, an operetta by Gilbert & Sullivan, from March 1 – 3 at Pingree Theater
on the Christ School campus, located at 500 Christ School Road in Arden. Parking
is plentiful and free.
Performances are open to the public on Friday, March 1, Saturday, March 2, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 3 at 3 p, $28 per adult and $15 per students 18 and under.
Students night is Wednesday, February 27 at 7 p.m. – $15 with student ID.
Seating is limited so purchasing tickets online is recommended: www.operacreations.org.
or contact ashevilleoperacreations@gmail.com
The Mikado, first produced in 1885, is one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most famous
and enduring operettas, in which the librettist and composer poke fun at the social
customs and traditions of Great Britain (or for that matter any stodgy and slightly
blood-thirsty nation). Audience members may recognize the songs “A Wandering
Minstrel, I,” “The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring,” “Willow, Tit-Willow,” and many
more. They are certain to recognize the posturing politician, the jealous older
woman, and the young couple trying to behave properly (or else they will lose their
heads).
Local favorites Karen Svites, Simone Vigilante, Aaron Schnurbusch, Jonathan
Ross, and Roberto Flores hold starring roles in the cast, directed by Patricia
Heuermann. Newcomers to Opera Creations are David Fields, Bryant Belin, Heather
Ferguson, and Ashley Renfro. Paul Templon and Vance Reese round out the musical
leadership as chorus director and music director/accompanist, respectively.