The Muses Project is scheduled to present its fall opera tour, the full production of W.A. Mozart's "Don Giovanni," Sept. 14-18 in Hot Springs, Texarkana and Hot Springs Village.
Based on the legend of the fictional libertine seducer Don Juan, this morality play follows the story of Don Giovanni, an arrogant, abusive, nobleman who is driven by unbridled lust and hedonism. After a life of amorous conquests, he is challenged to change his ways. However, he remains unrepentant which leads to his ultimate demise, a news release said.
Classified as an opéra bouffe, blending elements of comedy, melodrama and the supernatural, "Don Giovanni" explores power relations and the complexities of seduction, murder and revenge, the release said.
In the title role is baritone Stacey Murdock, of Portland, Ore. He leads a principal cast of opera singers and instrumentalists from New York, Colorado, New Orleans, Mexico and Arkansas. The cast will be joined by local chorus members from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, Henderson State University and the Hot Springs community, and highlighted by professional dancers led by Muses choreographer Amy Bramlett.
Remaining principal cast members are soprano and Muses General Director Deleen Davidson, soprano Michelle Pretto, of New York City, tenor Cody Laun, of Colorado, bass Alex Boyd, of New York City, bass Steven Fredricks, of New York City, soprano Jessica Lustenberger, of Mexico, and bass Scott Lindroth, of New York City.
Performed in two acts with an intermission and sung in Italian with English supertitles, this production is designed to be accessible and culturally satisfying to contemporary audiences while it simultaneously holds onto the elegance and message of the classical opera, the release said. This masterpiece embodies the timeless moral message of reaping what one has sown, and is brilliantly scored by Mozart's transcendent music.
"The Muses' full production of 'Don Giovanni' promises to be a memorable, high-caliber, culturally enriching experience that you won't have to travel to New York to receive," the release said.
Support for Muses Creative Artistry Project is provided, in part, by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Tour dates for the performance are:
• 6 p.m. Sept. 14 -- Muses Cultural Arts Center, 428 Orange St., Hot Springs, student performance, all artists, students and teachers can attend free, but must call 609-9811 to register.
• 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 -- Cabe Hall, Texarkana, for ticket information call the box office 903-792-4992.
• 7 p.m. Sept. 16 -- Woodlands Auditorium, Hot Springs Village. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at http://www.hsvticketsales.com.
• 6 p.m. Sept. 17, and 3 p.m. Sept. 18 -- Muses Cultural Arts Center. Tickets are $30; call 609-9811.
Entertainment on 08/26/2016