Puccini's LA BOHEME Screens Tonight as Dallas Opera's 10th Public Simulcast

The Dallas Opera, in partnership with AT&T Stadium and with support from our founding sponsor, The Dallas Foundation, is extremely proud to announce the company's fourth stadium simulcast -- and the tenth free Dallas Opera simulcast since 2010 -- scheduled to take place tonight, March 21, 2015 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX (home of the Dallas Cowboys).

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. The curtain time for that evening's live performance of Giacomo Puccini's beloved 19th century masterpiece, LA BOHÈME, from the Shannon and Ted Skokos Stage in the Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas is 7:30 p.m.

Patrons will be able to enjoy this landmark live simulcast on the world's largest high-definition video board structure, comprised of four massive viewing screens (the largest, 72 feet tall and 160 feet wide) suspended directly above the playing field.

This performance will take place as part of The Dallas Opera's nationally recognized, free public simulcast program, which has attracted more than 50,000 attendees over the past four years.

The Dallas Opera's 2015 AT&T Stadium Simulcast is expected to draw thousands more to enjoy one of the greatest "date nights" in opera: Puccini's charming, touching and highly romantic masterpiece about life among the young bohemians of the Latin Quarter of Paris has been a popular favorite since it first premiered in 1896. This Dallas Opera production was designed by the late Jean-Pierre Ponnelle, with costumes by the late Peter J. Hall, both legendary designers.

The conductor of LA BOHÈME will be Riccardo Frizza in his much-anticipated company debut. Maestro Frizza is described by Seen and Heard as "totally convincing, conducting his forces with both strength and gentleness, always supporting the singers and getting fine results from the orchestra." TDO will welcome back acclaimed singer-turned-director Peter Kazaras to marshal the throngs that breathe life into this zesty and colorful production.

And what a cast!

Grammy Award-winning Latin American soprano Ana María Martínez returns to the Dallas Opera (following her star turn in our 2008 production of Die Fledermaus) to sing the role of the frail seamstress, Mimi. According to Mark Thomas Ketterson of Opera News, Ms. Martinez has shown herself to be "a radiantly vulnerable Mimi, consistently employing her darkly textured lyric soprano with great sensitivity to dynamics and text."

Described as Britain's "go-to tenor for grand opera," New Orleans native Bryan Hymel will portray the poet Rodolfo with a voice described by Anthony Tommasini of The New York Times as "dark-hued and muscular, with a quick vibrato and earthy texture...Mr. Hymel sang with unflagging stamina and impetuous abandon, capped with some exciting full-voiced top notes." He made his 2011 Dallas Opera debut as Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, which earned the artist a nomination for the 2012 "Maria Callas Award" for achieving one of the most notable debuts that season.

Soprano Davinia Rodriguez, born in Spain's Canary Islands and now living in Italy, makes her Dallas Opera debut in this production as the irrepressible Musetta. Praised by The Seattle Times as "dramatically convincing and vocally resplendent," Ms. Rodriguez will be paired with baritone Jonathan Beyer (Captain Gardiner in the Dallas Opera's 2010 world premiere production of Moby-Dick) as the equally mercurial Marcello. Diana Burgwyn of Opera Now found Mr. Beyer "totally at ease with his physical and vocal self (with) a rounded, sure baritone voice and excellent diction." Added Tom Huizenga of The Washington Post: "Beyer has the luxury of a robust, handsome voice, and promising years ahead."

The international ensemble cast includes Russian bass Alexander Vinogradov, an artist who made his acclaimed Bolshoi Theatre debut at the age of 21. He will sing the role of the philosophical Colline. Native son Steven LaBrie, winner of the 2009 Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition, is a baritone who dazzled in the role of the smuggler, Le Dancaïre in our 2013 Carmen. He continues to impress audiences with his acting as well as his vocal abilities. Opera Now labels LaBrie "a young baritone to watch."

Bass Stefan Szkafarowsky, from New York City, sang in the Dallas Opera's triumphant 2011 production of Boris Godunov and will return to our stage for the dual roles of Benoit the landlord and Musetta's unfortunate suitor, Alcindoro.

Lighting design is by Thomas C. Hase. Wig and make-up design is by David Zimmerman and chorus preparation by Dallas Opera Chorus Master Alexander Rom. The children's chorus will be prepared by Melinda Cotten.

The Dallas Opera's AT&T Stadium Simulcast is one of six performances of the opera that will take place on March 13, 15(m), 18, 21, 27 & 29(m), 2015 in the Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

Free general admission tickets to The Dallas Opera's La bohème AT&T Stadium Simulcast can be obtained through the Dallas Opera website, beginning tomorrow, January 13, 2015, at www.dallasopera.org/simulcast.

"The Dallas Foundation has been pleased to support The Dallas Opera's simulcasts to AT&T Stadium since 2012, helping to provide families throughout our community the chance to experience world-class opera in this unique and relaxed setting," remarked Mary M. Jalonick, President of The Dallas Foundation. "This successful partnership has inspired our Board of Governors to pledge our continued support of these efforts through 2017. The Dallas Foundation is proud to be the Founding Sponsor of The Dallas Opera AT&T Stadium Simulcasts."

"We are excited that for the fourth year the Dallas Opera will once again hold their simulcast at AT&T Stadium," adds Dallas Cowboys Chief Brand Officer Charlotte Jones Anderson. "Each of the past three simulcasts has been a huge success, and we look forward to continuing that tradition by bringing in another great show this year. The Dallas Opera has done an outstanding job with each of its events, and it is a great honor to share in this incredible cultural event in our local community."

"It's been a personal goal of mine to engage the finest world-class artists to create an unforgettable entertainment experience for people from all walks of life," commented Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny, "and nothing does this better than opera-a spectacular art form made even more so when viewed on the largest high-definition screens in the country.

"The Dallas Opera is deeply honored that our founding sponsor, The Dallas Foundation, is supporting this event for a fourth consecutive year and we are equally grateful for the generosity of the Jones Family, who encouraged this extraordinary collaboration with the Cowboys organization from the moment we made our dream known to them.

"I am certain that the centralized location of AT&T Stadium will -- once again -- prove to be an irresistible magnet," Mr. Cerny added. "With free parking, a wear-what-you-want dress code, phenomenal performances in one of the most popular operas ever, on-screen supertitles and plenty of available concessions -- this night will continue to redefine 21st century opera as a user-friendly entertainment experience."

Single tickets for the remaining mainstage productions of the Dallas Opera's "Heights of Passion" Season-including the world premiere production of Joby Talbot and Gene Scheer's EVEREST-are on sale now, starting at just $19, through the Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or online at www.dallasopera.org. Student Rush best-available tickets can be purchased at the lobby box office for as little as $25 (one per valid Student I.D.) ninety minutes prior to each performance.

All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise described. Single Tickets range from $19 to $275 and Flex Subscriptions are on sale starting at $75. Family performance tickets are just $5. For more information or to make your purchase, contact The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or visit us online, 24/7, at www.dallasopera.org.

THE DALLAS OPERA 2014-2015 SEASON INFORMATION - The Dallas Opera celebrates its Fifty-Eighth International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired. The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk will begin one hour prior to curtain, at most performances excluding FIRST NIGHT of the season.

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