Opera New Jersey has announced the lineup for its 10th anniversary season, which runs July 8 through 22 at McCarter Theater. Main-stage performances of Verdi’s tragedy “Il Trovatore” and Gilbert and Sullivan’s comedy “H.M.S. Pinafore” will be accompanied by the intimate concert series and scenes programs in McCarter’s smaller Berlind Theater. For the third year, New Jersey Symphony Chamber Orchestra will accompany the performances.
“Il Trovatore,” a story of lust, love, power, and vengeance, plays Sundays, July 8 and 22, and Saturday, July 14. Victor DeRenzi, long-time artistic director of the Sarasota Opera, conducts, and Stephanie Sundine, who directed Opera New Jersey’s winter production of Tosca, directs. Returning stars Marco Nistico and Young Bok Kim play Count Di Luna and Ferrando, respectively. New faces include Rafael Davila as Manrico, Mary Elizabeth Williams as Leonora, and Dana Beth Miller as Azucena.
The ever-popular tale of love on the high seas, “H.M.S. Pinafore,” plays Sunday, July 15, Thursday, July 19, and Sunday, July 21. Princeton favorite Mark Laycock conducts, and Michael Under directs. Featured performers are Sarah Beckham (Josephine), Mathew Edwardsen (Ralph Rackstraw), Sean Anderson (Captain Corcoran), and Jennifer Feinstein (Little Buttercup).
In addition to the two main stage performances, a series of smaller concerts will take place in the Berlind Theater. “Opera Stars in Concert,” a production by the main stage stars of favorite arias and ensembles, takes place Wednesday, July 11.
Singers from the Victoria J. Mastrobuono Emerging Artists Program present opera scenes programs on Sunday and Friday, July 15 and 20, and a concert of operetta favorites on Friday, July 13. There will also be free concerts in Palmer Square and Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton on dates to be announced.
Opera New Jersey will also partner with Brooklyn-based American Opera Projects for staged readings of two new operatic monodramas on Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22. Readings of Gregory Spears’ “Our Lady” and Tarik O’Regan’s “The Wanton Sublime” will be followed by talkbacks with the artists and creators.
Expanding its reach, Opera New Jersey will for the first time have two performances at the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park: “H.M.S. Pinafore” on Friday, July 27, and “Il Trovatore” on Sunday, July 29.
Opera New Jersey, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, Princeton. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 1, through McCarter’s box office. 609-258-2787. Visit www.operanj.org or www.mccarter.org.
