Friday, March 16, 2012

DC Up Close: A Night at the Opera

As a welcome break from the class project madness, Stephen and I snuck away to the Kennedy Center for a few hours last Friday night to enjoy the Washington National Opera’s production of Mozart's Cosi fan tutte. Long a fan of musicals, I’ve recently begun to explore opera, as well, and Cosi definitely didn’t disappoint.

The story – a comedy-drama that offers timelessly serious messages about trust and betrayal – centers around two young men who make a bet that their fianceés will always remain faithful to them, even if tempted by others. The men then assume disguises and each try to seduce the other’s lady, which of course has disastrous consequences all around.


Our performance featured a cast of up-and-coming actors from the Washington National Opera’s young artists program, and each of the performers did a truly impressive job. Also, since the opera was updated in both dress and supertitles to be set in modern-day DC, it was especially funny and relevant to the audience.

So far in my lifetime, I’ve seen more than 30 musicals, operas and plays, and I of course hope to keep seeing many more in the coming years. Here, a look at just 10 of my top favorites thus far.

1) Les Miserables
2) Cabaret
3) Aida
4) The Lion King
5) Chicago
6) The Sound of Music
7) Annie
8) Wicked
9) Mozart’s The Magic Flute
10) Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Are you a fan of musical theater and opera? What are some of your favorite performances? 

16 comments:

  1. I'm a huge fan of musical theater but have yet to go to the opera! I need to change that soon. This one sounded really fun!

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  2. I've never been to the opera before, I don't think my husband would be very entertained by it. But the plot sounds really interesting. Glad you were able to take a short break from everything that's been keeping you busy lately!

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  3. How fun! I've never been to the opera, but I love musical theater - though come to think of it, we don't go to musicals too often, either (not really my husband's first choice). I've seen Avenue Q, Wicked and Chicago and loved each one of them. Occasionally, we go to the ballet, which is also a lot of fun. I'd love to go to the opera one day, and we literally have no excuse not to, since we live so close to it!

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  4. I love the Kennedy Center it's so pretty, my brother had his high school graduation there and it's actually one of my company's clients so my boss goes to a lot of their shows. The only musical I've really been too was to see The Producers in NYC back in '05 I enjoyed it.

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  5. You know, I have never been to the opera, but love to go to musicals. I'd love to make it one day. I'm glad you were able to take a breather and enjoy! Come back soon to visit my blog, I'll be waiting for you!!

    XOXO,
    Jamie
    http://ilookgoodtoday.com

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  6. I love love LOVE musicals! (Good thing since I have to direct one every spring). My all time favorite is Phantom of the Opera. However, the list of things that I greatly enjoy is pretty long!

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  7. Loved Wicked!! And Miss Saigon was a great one!!
    Looks like it was a fun night!!

    Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  8. Sounds like you guys had a great time! I haven't been to an opera yet, but one day!

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  9. I'm obsessed with musical theatre...it really was based on my entire decision to move to New York in general...I've seen dozens and dozens of Broadway Musicals..and your list is great: Highlights for me are Wicked, Lion King, In the Heights, and anything with Sutton Foster. I also used to work at the Metroplitan Opera...but as exciting a job as that was...I just can't get into opera. I would much rather see a musical any day. But, I do have an appreciation for opera as an art-form...Believe me, I tried realllly hard to like it while I was there. I'm glad you enjoyed Cosi! My all-time favorite opera (probably the only one I ever walked away from LOVING) was La Fille du Regiment - The Daughter of the Regiment. If you ever get a chance to see that one...go!

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  10. The first muscial I ever saw was Caberet and I loved it (even though I was 13 and it was away above my head). And in all the years I lived in DC, I never saw a show at Kennedy Center (for shame, I know). Glad you are taking advantage!

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  11. I have to say, I've never been to a musical before! I've been to plays...which I am not a huge fan of. But musicals with the singing and dancing I think would be fun.

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  12. Looks like fun! Happy St. Patty's Day!

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  13. LOVE the Theatre. Hubby and I went to see Phantom of the Opera in NY (Broadway) about a year ago. THE BEST!! I might drag the whole family to see Lion King over spring break.

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  14. i am! and always have a new fave.

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  15. I am a huge fan of musical theatre! My favorite musical was Grease.

    Lynn
    CARMEN VOGUE

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  16. I have never been to an actual opera, but I love musicals. I have seen Wicked, Cats, Movin' Out, and Les Miserables (which is definitely my favorite of all time). I have so many more on my wishlist!

    *Erin

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