Mill City Summer Opera Announces 2020 Production

Via a December 10 News Release:

Katherine M. CarterMill City Summer Opera (MCSO) announced today that its 2020 main stage production will be Verdi’s Rigoletto, directed by dynamic stage director Katherine M. Carter.

Six performances of the operatic masterpiece will be presented in July at Paikka, a unique 200-seat performance/event space in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul. The industrial chic venue, located in an historic mattress factory, features both an interior and courtyard space, creating an al fresco feel. 

“It’s going to be another thrilling summer of opera. With Katherine’s bold vision paired with an acclaimed cast of artists, Season 9 promises to be our most imaginative yet!”

Cory Johnson, MCSO Executive Director

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Carter’s production of Rigoletto will be faithful to the text and music of the classic 1851 opera while setting the action within a new contemporary backdrop – a celebrity fashion product launch event – and framing the story in the context of modern-day issues of consent and power. Carter will bring an innovative approach to reveal a more nuanced story behind one of the world’s most beloved operas, highlighting its relevance to today’s world while avoiding clichés of villains and victims. 

Director Carter has long admired the strong Twin Cities arts community and said she is thrilled to be making her debut here with Rigoletto and MCSO. “I look forward to the opportunity to connect with vibrant, engaged audience members who have shown themselves to be energized by seeing opera in non-traditional venues. This site-specific version of Rigoletto, where the performers can move throughout the space, will change the way they see opera yet again with an intimate, immersive experience,” she said.

The cast includes Eric McKeever (Rigoletto), Amy Owens (Gilda), Daniel Montenegro (Duke), and Hidenori Inoue (Sparafucile). The role of Maddalena will be played by Metropolitan Opera star, Renée Tatum. Conducting sensation, Emily Senturia, boasting recent performances with Opera Philadelphia and Boston Lyric Opera, will lead a 12-member orchestra.

MCSO also confirmed that it will again perform at the Icehouse after a successful run with La Serva Padrona last year. In 2020, the company will present The Impressario, Mozart’s one-act comic opera, at the Minneapolis music space/bar/restaurant. 

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TICKETS

Rigoletto Opening Night tickets ($200), which include a gala reception, reserved seating for the performance and a dazzling after-party with the cast, will be on sale at 10am on Monday, February 3 online at millcitysummeropera.org or through MCSO at 612-875-5544. 

Tickets for all other Rigoletto performances ($30-$125) will be available for purchase for donors of $250 or more beginning 10am on Monday, May 4, online at millcitysummeropera.org or through MCSO, 612-875-5544. Tickets for both Rigoletto and The Impressario will be on sale to the general public at 10am on Monday, May 11 through MCSO, 612-875-5544, or online at millcitysummeropera.org.

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PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES

Rigoletto

Paikka, 550 Vandalia St., Saint Paul

- Friday, July 17, Opening Night – gala reception at 6 pm, performance at 7:30 pm, with after-party

- Saturday, July 18 at 7:30pm

- Sunday, July 19 matinee time TBD

- Tuesday, July 21 at 7:30pm

- Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30pm

- Thursday, July 23 at 7:30pm

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The Impressario

The Icehouse, 2528 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis

- Monday, July 27 at 6:30pm and 9:00pm

- Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30pm and 9:00pm

For more on Mill City Summer Opera, visit millcitysummeropera.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @mcsummeropera.