The Pirates of Penzance, The Girl of the Golden West, and Street Scene light up the Opera House stage June 29 through August 4, 2024, in Central City, Colorado
Discover the rich tapestry of love, drama, and community at Central City Opera’s captivating 2024 Festival. A trio of spellbinding productions light up the historic opera house stage from June 29 through August 4. Experience the timeless hilarity of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta The Pirates of Penzance, savor the grandeur of Puccini’s beloved The Girl of the Golden West (La fanciulla del West) and embrace the heart and soul of Kurt Weill’s iconic American musical, Street Scene.
Set against the backdrop of Cornwall’s coastline, The Pirates of Penzance is a comedic operetta that revolves around a young man mistakenly apprenticed to a band of pirates due to a communication mix-up. As he completes his term with the pirates, he yearns for love and an honorable life. After humorous encounters with a group of young women and a crafty ruse involving the pirates’ soft spot for orphans, a surprising revelation about the young man’s true apprenticeship commitment is unveiled. Enjoy unexpected twists and a heartwarming resolution that touches on loyalty, duty, and societal expectations.
Amidst the fervor of the Gold Rush, The Girl of the Golden West (La fanciulla del West) by Giacomo Puccini paints a vivid picture of life in a mining camp. In Central City Opera’s rendition, the opera unfolds in Central City in the 1840s, incorporating elements of folk music to evoke the spirit of the West. At the heart of the story is the beloved owner of the Polka Saloon, who finds herself in a complicated love triangle with a newcomer and the local sheriff. Amidst confrontations and moments of high drama, loyalty and love are put to the test, as Puccini’s masterpiece seamlessly weaves romance, danger, and the promise of a fresh start.
Taking place over two hot summer days in New York City, Kurt Weill’s Street Scene delves into the lives of the multi-ethnic residents of a tenement building, showcasing their hopes, dreams, and struggles. Throughout Street Scene, the musical numbers range from operatic arias to jazz and blues, reflecting the mix of cultures and emotions present in the tenement setting. The story offers a commentary on the challenges faced by immigrants, the impact of poverty, and the complexities of love and relationships in a densely populated urban environment.
Central City Opera’s 2024 festival is a five-week extravaganza of storytelling and powerful voices, featuring classical music’s biggest talents. Renewals for Subscribers are available now—renew by December 8, 2023 to keep your seats! Subscriptions are priced from $50 and go on sale to the general public beginning January 1, 2024. Single tickets are priced from $31 and go on sale April 1, 2024.
Visit www.centralcityopera.org or call 303-292-6700 for more information.