May 05 Sunday
Is it true love or just a fantasy? The achingly beautiful score and heartbreaking tragedy at the core of Puccini’s masterpiece explode in a new production by designer Yuki Izumihara and director Ethan Heard that transcends stereotypes, empowering the young protagonist Cio Cio San with new agency over her story.
Soprano Karen Chia-ling Ho and tenor Anthony Ciaramitaro make their company debuts as the lovelorn geisha and her reckless American husband, Lieutenant B.F. Pinkerton, who sees her as a toy he can purchase, play with, and abandon. Anthony Clark Evans (Rigoletto, 2022), returns as the cautionary American consul Sharpless, with mezzo Kristen Choi (The Raven, 2022) as the steadfast maid Suzuki.
After a bad batch of vichyssoise killed off fifty-two of the Little Sisters of Hoboken, the survivors emptied the coffers to bury the deceased, but ran out of cash before the last few bodies could be laid to rest! (Don’t worry – they’re in the kitchen freezer!). To raise funds they decide to put on a variety show. Will their prayers be answered before the health department discovers their secret? With hilarious talent acts, tongue-in-cheek musical numbers, and help from the audience, the show – the 3rd longest running Off-Broadway musical -- will tickle your fancy
Choral Evensong for EastertideSunday, May 5, 5PMAll Saints Parish Choir, with members of Aura PolyphonicaEric Plutz, organistKevin O'Malia, Director of MusicMusic of Henry Balfour Gardiner, Sarah MacDonald, Charles Villiers Stanford, and Sir John GossLight reception to followFreewill offering to benefit All Saints Church Music Program
May 06 Monday
In an intimate dinner-theater experience, "Domme & Giovanni" is a modern retelling of Mozart's famous opera "Don Giovanni". In this sexy, modern and comedic twist of the centuries-old opera, Giovanni better ensures the relevancy told from a female point of view.
May 07 Tuesday
Join Opera Lafayette for the modern premiere of Mouret's opéra-ballet Les Fêtes de Thalie. With renowned conductor Christophe Rousset on the podium and Catherine Turocy directing, this witty, joyful, female-centric tale will have you laughing and cheering until the end.
Featuring a diverse and talented cast of American singers including Jonathan Woody, Angel Azzarra, Pascale Beaudin, Paulina Francisco, Scott Brunscheen, Jean Bernard Cerin, Patrick Kilbride, John Taylor Ward, and Ariana Wehr. The production also includes dancers led by choreographers Anuradha Nehru, Pragnya Thamire, Julian Donahue, Julia Bengtsson, and Caroline Copeland.
Thalie promises to uphold Opera Lafayette’s reputation as "one of the most creatively game and artistically sound operations in the business."(The Washington Post).
May 10 Friday
Prepare to be enchanted once again! American Repertory Ballet (ARB) proudly announces the return of Ethan Stiefel’s celebrated production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, May 10-12, 2024 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
This timeless tale transports attendees into a magical forest filled with fairies, elves, mischief, romance, and joy. Audiences of all ages will once again be cheering, laughing out loud, and mesmerized by the ballet’s whimsy and crisp storytelling. There is no better way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend!
May 11 Saturday
Join Voices Chorale NJ and the Berks Sinfonietta chamber orchestra in appreciating the mastery of one of Franz Joseph Haydn’s most distinctive and memorable compositions: Missa in Angustiis (Mass for Troubled Times), more popularly known as the Lord Nelson Mass. Between sections of this liturgical work, the chorale will perform contemporary pieces that respond to themes within the Mass, bringing new perspectives on forgiveness, praise, faith, peace, and unity in a divided world.
VCNJ continues its tradition of presenting various musical styles and eras together in thought-provoking concerts to delight and inspire audiences and musicians alike. Contemporary works include Fragile by Sting and Exsultate! Jubilate! by Kyle Pederson.