Lyric Opera of Kansas City unveils “Eclectic” 2016-2017 season

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City is gearing up for its “Eclectic 2016-2017” season at the city’s Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The coming season features four spectacular works, including the charming fairy tale opera Hansel and Gretel, Mozart’s poignant comic opera The Marriage of Figaro, the powerful modern classic Dead Man Walking, and finally Gilbert & Sullivan’s delightful comic operetta The Pirates of Penzance.

“In our coming season, we continue the rich history of Lyric Opera by producing a varied palette of works with contrasting looks and musical languages spanning over 235 years of operatic composition,” said Sandler.

Director Doug Varone will direct Engelbert Humperdinck’s classic fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel with some new twists and several Lyric Opera debuts. Varone sets the production in an impoverished urban area in the early 20th century where the children are irresistibly drawn to a beautiful and strange carnival world.

The circus atmosphere is enhanced by performers from Doug Varone and Dancers with set and costumes by Tony Award nominee David Zinn.  Sung in German with English subtitles; suitable for children (and adults) who aren’t afraid of clowns. Performances are September 17, 21, 23 and 25.

The Marriage of Figaro is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s delightful comic opera, rife with cloaked intentions and misbegotten plans. Acclaimed director Stephen Lawless will make his Lyric Opera debut as he brings his talents to Kansas City to direct this opera buffa.

Few operas are as delightful as The Marriage of Figaro, considered by many to be the most perfect opera ever written. It is a rousing comedy of misplaced identities, misbegotten plans and general misbehaving. Sung in Italian with English subtitles. Suitable for children who have had their first crush. Performances are November 5, 9, 11, and 13.

Dead Man Walking has become a must-see modern classic since it premiered in 2000 to critical acclaim. With music by Jake Heggie and Libretto by Terence McNally, Dead Man Walking is the story of a profound spiritual journey taken by a nun and a convicted killer about to face the ultimate sentence. Based on the book by Sister Helen Prejean, the opera delves into the conflict between the act of murder, society’s demand for retribution and the Christian foundation of redemption and forgiveness.

Dead Man Walking is an unforgettable experience and promises to leave audiences stunned and breathless. Best suited for age 18 and up. Performances are March 4, 8, 10, and 12, 2017.

Completing the 2016-2017 season is Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance. Gilbert and Sullivan’s cheeky and charming operetta abounds with pirates, maidens and a Major General with the true gift of gab. Performances are April 22, 26, 28, and 30, 2017.

Single tickets for the Lyric Opera 2016-2017 season go on sale in August, but opera addicts can get season subscriptions now, starting at only $79. Subscriptions may be purchased online at www.tickets.kcopera.org (select “Season Subscriptions”), or call Ticketing and Patron Services at (816) 471-7344.

The Gayly – June 26, 2016 @ 1 p.m.