Petite Opera offers Donors a Convenient Way to Donate Online

New PayPal Option allows Convenient Donation Option

For those who are unable to attend its May 18 Vocal Palettes & Pairings benefit concert and wine tasting, Petite Opera offers another way to donate and support its general fund and November 2013 Cosi fan tutte.

Recently, Petite Opera added PayPal capabilities.  So, go ahead and Donate Now Via PayPal!  It's convenient, it's safe and all proceeds go toward Petite Opera, a 501c3 nonprofit professional opera company.

Thank you for your support!

Petite Opera gives its Public Perspective on Voice Types and Upcoming Productions

Petite Opera appears on Public Perspective cable TV to discuss upcoming benefit event and upcoming Cosi fan tutte

On May 18, Petite Opera will hold a benefit event - Vocal Palettes & Pairings - a concert and wine tasting in one.  Proceeds will benefit the non-profit company, and help to fund its November Chicago premiere of Mozart's Cosi fan tutte (Everyone is Just the Same) featuring Dimitri Toscas' new English libretto.

In April 2013, Petite Opera's Executive Director and Director of Production appeared on Chicago suburban cable TV show Public Perspectives with Kevin McDermott to discuss the benefit event, and the story and comedy of this new version of a great comic opera - Cosi fan tutte.

Watch this segment of Public Perspectives featuring Petite Opera now via streamling video.

Petite Opera holds Unique Benefit Concert and Wine Tasting Event May 18, 2013

Petite Opera invites supporters to a unique evening of wine and song.  

Petite Opera's Benefit Concert & Wine Tasting will be held
May 18, 2013 at 7:00 PM
Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium
part of St Mary's Episcopal Church campus
306 S Prospect Ave at Crescent Ave
Park Ridge, IL 60068

Entitled Vocal Palettes & Pairings, Petite Opera's May 18 event is a concert and wine tasting combined into one.  Ten professional voices will be "paired" with wines to create a fabulously entertaining and educational treat for both the oral and aural palettes. Wine notes will be presented by a sommelier, and vocal notes by the singers themselves.

Other than the idea of "wine and song", where did the idea for this event come from?

"The idea evolved from several concepts", says Susan Baushke, Executive Director. "One evolved from an event we held in 2012, another from discussions with wine lovers, and another with opera lovers. 

Last year, for an outreach event, Petite Opera wanted to try something different to get across the idea that classical voices don't fall into just the standard choral soprano-alto-tenor-bass groupings.  We wanted to explain the German concept of fach--which is a classification system that captures elements of vocal range, color, agility and weight.  In explaining several of those factors, wine comparisons just naturally came to mind.  The event was a hit, and patrons are still raving about it over a year later.  There was not an actual wine tasting involved for that event--just verbal comparisons--so it seemed natural to take the concept further for a benefit event.

We also know that there are patrons who love wine, but aren't quite sure yet about classical singing or opera, so this is the perfect chance for them to enjoy the wine, and be introduced to classical singing.

For those that love opera, and like wine, but want to more about it, this event allows them to enjoy what they love, while being guided by a professional sommelier about wines."

Only 100 tickets are being sold for this benefit event, and advance purchase or reservations are required. 

• Main Table (main floor) $50 per person (60 tickets available)
• Reserved Table (main floor front) $75 per person (40 tickets available) 
• Balcony Table (balcony) $100 per person (20 tickets available)

Purchase Tickets online, through May 9^th, at http://www.petiteopera.org, or

Reserve tickets at 847-553-4442 or petiteopera@gmail.com by May 15^th.
All tickets will be held at Will Call.
Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted at box office.

All proceeds will benefit Petite Opera, and go toward its general funds, as well as support its November 2013 Chicago Premiere production of Cosi fan tutte (Everyone is Just the Same), with a new libretto by Dimitri Toscas.  Set in 1959, this Mozart comedy takes on a new twist.  See upcoming events for details.

Jules Massenet's CINDERELLA is Best in Class

By Susan Baushke

Cinderella is a great story, period.  It has all of the key elements -- an evil stepmother, a heroine in a tragic state who finds love and happiness, and the magical fairy godmother who saves her.  The story was first published in the 1600's, and is based on characters that appeared in 1st century BC ancient Greece. It has captured the imagination of countless generations, and been revived by various authors, composers, screenwriters, and animators ever since its inception.

One composer just nailed it though:  Jules Massenet.

Cinderella (Cendrillon) composer, Jules Massenet

We all have our opinions, and this is mine.  Of course, I enjoy other Cinderella versions, like  Rossini's La Cenerentola, the musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein, and the Cinderella storyline in Into the Woods.  However, this version by Jules Massenet, (in French, entitled Cendrillon), brings together all of the best elements, both musically and in depth of characters, to create a very compelling, engaging story that contains humor, tragedy, and real characters with genuine warmth.

To me, this version definitely stands out from the rest.  It is different. Let's face it, what better musical genre exists to tell a love story than the richness of the Romantic period?  The differences between Massenet's version and others quickly becomes apparent.  If you just sit and listen to the music, and close your eyes, you can envision the action, and see the characters in your mind.  When you open your eyes, those same characters are playing out onstage exactly as you envisioned them.

Of course, you can say that other versions achieve a similar result.  But, in what other version of Cinderella can you:

• Break out in laughter at the absurdity of the Stepmother instructing her daughters to snag a Prince for a husband (and think to yourself "I actually knew someone like that")?
• Listen to the fairy godmother's music--this light, beautiful coloratura soprano--and actually feel she is hanging from a cobweb, or nestled in a dew drop?
• Get goosebumps when you hear the fairy chorus joining in to create an ethereal wonderland with tight haunting harmonies?
• Really and truly be engaged enough to worry what would happen if Cinderella and the Prince did not get together?
• See Cinderella's father FINALLY stand up to the Stepmother and take command?
• Actually believe that the Father knows he has wronged Cinderella by letting her be treated so poorly, and know he feels remorse, and tell her?
• Feel the tension between the Prince and Cinderella as they meet for the first time and feel the electricity of attraction as they sing?

Other versions tell the story, but, to me, lack the realm of emotion or tension that is borne out in Massenet's lush melodic score with tight harmonies.  Let's face it, we all already know the ending.  This work is one that really involves you so that you live through the characters to arrive at that happy ending.

And, what's really good for kids--and adults--is that the "tunes" in this production are very catchy and memorable. Characters you love, and melodies you'll fall in love with.  It's the perfect combination.

What totally perplexes me is that this work appears not to have been performed in Chicagoland area since Mary Garden performed the role of the Prince in 1911 with the predecessor of the Lyric Opera. Written in 1899, the work came into existence as a new musical transition was beginning to form.  Perhaps the "next generation" wanted to make its unique mark, cast aside anything from "the old school" of Romanticism, and popularity for the form slowly died off.  It's disheartening to think that this work may have succumb to such a shift in the tides. 

But I'm also pleased to see that, in the past decade, some of the bigger companies have started to bring this work back into the mainstream, including New York City Opera and Santa Fe Opera.  And, I'm thrilled that Petite Opera is able to bring this gem once again to the Chicago area so you and your family can enjoy it as much as I do.  

So step out of Petite Opera's life-sized storybook right along-side the characters. Live the tragedy and dreams of Cinderella, the absurdity of the Stepmother and stepsisters, and the magical moments of the Fairy godmother.  Don't let Jules Massenet's Cinderella (Cendrillon) pine away in the back vaults and musical stacks.  Bring the whole family.  Come relive the story with your parents, and your kids.  Don't let another 100 years go by to enjoy this treasure.

                                                                                                                                            

Susan Baushke is Executive Director and Artistic team leader of Petite Opera, which strives to make everyone an opera lover, and every work approachable to the masses.  She holds her Bachelor's degree in Music from Northwestern University, and an MBA in Marketing from DePaul University.  Ms. Baushke has authored numerous outreach programs and scripts to engage audiences and help them undergo comparative studies of various genres.  She has also written various productions to expose newcomers to opera.

Petite Opera performs Cinderella November 2-17, 2012 at Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium, part of St. Mary's Episcopal Church campus, 306 S Prospect Ave at Crescent Ave (enter on Crescent Ave), Park Ridge, IL.  Call 847-553-4442 to reserve tickets, or purchase tickets online via credit card (convenience charges apply to credit card orders). 

Petite Opera is a professional 501c3 opera company

Petite Opera's Tweet For Tickets Program offers free ticket opportunity

Tweet For Tickets program offers select Tweeters the best seat in the house

As a professional opera company, Petite Opera recognizes that the best way to spread the word about a great show is to have patrons recommend the show to their friends.  We know there are avid Tweeters out there in Chicagoland who have never seen an opera before. And, frankly, we want to match your desire to see your first opera with our desire to hear your thoughts on the show and spread the word to your followers on Twitter.

Avid Tweeters who are residents of the Chicago area, and have a substantial following are eligible to be one of two Tweeters chosen for our Tweet For Tickets program.  To be eligible, you must be able to answer YES to all of the following questions, and send us the needed information by the decision deadline, October 26.  Here are the questions:

• Would Petite Opera's production be the first opera you have ever seen?
• Have you always wanted to see an opera, but just haven't done so yet?
• Do you want a non-threatening, fun introduction to opera in your native tongue - English - with a story you can understand?
• Do you believe that quality live stage productions occur all over, and not just in downtown Chicago?
• Do you love music and theater?
• Do you love the acoustic voice?
• Are you open to all musical genres?
• Do your tweets talk to everyday people about everyday entertainment options available in the city and suburbs?
• Are your tweets free of profanity and suitable for family audiences?
• Would you like to see your first opera--for free--and not have to pay for parking?

Did you answer YES to all of the questions above?  If so, Petite Opera wants to hear from you!

We're seeking two avid tweeters who live in the Chicagoland area (and are familiar with Chicago area entertainment options) to attend opening night (Nov 2nd, 7:30PM) of our Cinderella by Jules Massenet.  In return for a free ticket, you'll tweet about your experience to your followers during the entire show. 

Interested in being selected for the Tweet For Tickets program?

Contact us at by Noon central time, October 26, 2012  at the email below:

 

In your email, provide:

• your first and last name
• your phone number
• your email address
• your city of residence
• your Twitter name
• number of Twitter followers
• typical theme of your tweets (examples: attending shows, concepts on music and artists)
• an explanation on why you think you are the best Tweeter we can select

We'll notify our selected Tweet For Tickets recipients individually.  

Good luck, and happy Tweeting!

 ____________________________________________________________________________

Petite Opera performs Cinderella November 2-17, 2012 at Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium, part of St. Mary's Episcopal Church campus, 306 S Prospect Ave at Crescent Ave (enter on Crescent Ave), Park Ridge, IL.  Call 847-553-4442 to reserve tickets, or purchase tickets online via credit card (convenience charges apply to credit card orders). 

Petite Opera is a professional 501c3 opera company

  

Petite Opera announces cast for its upcoming Cinderella

Petite Opera's production of Cinderella by Jules Massenet runs November 2-17, 2012

From November 2-17, Petite Opera will produce the rarely seen Jules Massenet version of Cinderella, (French title Cendrillon).  As with all Petite Opera productions, the work will be performed in English.  Run time will be approximately 2-1/4 hours.

This jewel is suitable for all ages, from the young, to the young at heart.  The work possesses a depth of musical beauty and characters sometimes lacking in other versions of the classic tale.  

Our fabulous cast includes:

Lucette (Cinderella, aka Cendrillon): 

Melissa Arning, Louise Rogan

Prince Charming: 

Katherine Dalin, Sheryl Veal

Fairy Godmother (La Fee):  

Rachel Sparrow, Diana Stoic Richardson

Pandolfe (Cinderella's father):  

Robert Morrissey, DaRell Haynes

Madame de la Haltiere (Cinderella's Stepmother):

Corrine Wallace, Robin Bradley

Noemie (Cinderella's stepsister):

Katy J. Compton
Marianna Adaire (cover)

Dorothee (Cinderella's stepsister):

Malia Ropp

Prime Minister:

Austin Illenberg

Dean of Faculty:

Enrico Bellomo

King (La Roi):

Russ Begitschke

Fairy Chorus:

Marianna Adaire, Adrienne Grove, JulieAnn Zavala

Servants Chorus:

Enrico Bellomo, Austin Illenberg, Caroline Patterson, Carolyn Sampson, Shea Walters, Megan Wilcox

Executive Director:

Susan Baushke

Director of Production:

Steven Arvanites

Stage Director:

Cathy Dunn-Protopapas

Music Director:

Jason Carlson

Repetiteur/Vocal Coach:

Alyssa Arrigo

Stage Manager/Props Mistress:

Anna Morrell

Costume Designer:

Jericka Hucke

Lighting Designer:

Betsy Sklena

Scenic Designer/Artist:

Paula Mrazek

Set Design and Construction:

David Carmona

Don't miss this wonderful 2012 production!

7:30 PM: FRIDAYS November 2, 9, and 16 and SATURDAYS November 3, 10 and 17

4:00 PM: SUNDAYS November 4, and 11

Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium

part of St. Mary’s Episcopal church campus

306 S Prospect Ave (at Crescent Ave)

Park Ridge, IL

$25 for adults

$22 for Seniors

$15 for Students

Children under age 5 are free

Call 847.553.4442 to reserve tickets (payment by cash or check), 

or order tickets online via credit card (convenience fees apply)

Look, that's MY kid onstage with Cinderella!

Eligible Children Ages 3-10 Could Appear Onstage in Petite Opera's Cinderella

Petite Opera's mission is to make everyone an opera lover.  We want to remove all barriers that might inhibit the enjoyment of first-time opera patrons, and increase patron interaction with our casts, all in an intimate venue.

We also want to get the next generation of patrons exposed to opera so they grow up to consider opera one of their many entertainment options.

What better way is there to get children intimately involved in an opera than from the viewpoint of the stage! So, during our upcoming production of Cinderella (November 2-17), we're offering young child patrons an opportunity to participate in the show itself.

For each performance, Petite Opera will select a handful of young child patrons to appear on stage with Cinderella during a scene in Act I.  The children will portray small animals who help Cinderella with her "chores". Each child will be given a simple costume that adjusts for various sizes.  Children will need to be silent so that Cinderella can sing her song.

A handful of children will be selected to appear in each performance.  To be selected, children must meet the following criteria:

• Each child selected will, ideally, be between the ages of 3 and 8, but be no more than age 10
• Children must be well-behaved, must be quiet on stage, must be able to take direction, have a good attention span, and must be sufficiently mature to take part without causing disruption over a span of about 6 minutes
• Parents and interested children must arrive at the venue 45 minutes prior to curtain time, and report to the House Manager

Children who meet the criteria will be selected at random to participate.  These children will receive instruction just prior to the performance, learn how to put on their costumes, and will meet their backstage contact.  Parents should offer their children this opportunity only if the child is comfortable in a quick-paced situation and meets the requirements above.

Please note that Petite Opera cannot guarantee that any child will definitely be selected, regardless of arrival time, previous stage experience, connection to or previous contact with Petite Opera, its cast members or other factors.

The goal of the production is to connect with the children and parents, and make Cinderella a fun and memorable experience  Parents with questions about participation, arrival times, and what's involved, should send email to Petite Opera:
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Petite Opera performs Cinderella November 2-17, 2012 at Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium, part of St. Mary's Episcopal Church campus, 306 S Prospect Ave at Crescent Ave (enter on Crescent Ave), Park Ridge, IL.  Call 847-553-4442 to reserve tickets, or purchase tickets online via credit card (convenience charges apply to credit card orders). 

Petite Opera is a professional 501c3 opera company