LA BOHEME & COSI FAN TUTTE to be Screened at Ridgefield Playhouse in April

To experience the grand spectacle of opera, which embraces the best of the performing arts, there is no need to go to the big city when you can see Puccini's La Bohème on Sunday, April 6, at 5 p.m. and Mozart's Così Fan Tutte on Saturday, April 26, at 12:55 p.m., in the comfortable, intimate Ridgefield Playhouse. Close-ups and interesting camera angles afforded uniquely thru the power of an HD broadcast and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and interviews make going to the opera a pleasure. For dinner-and-an-opera, Bernard's (22 West Lane, Ridgefield) is offering a special $45 prix-fixe menu, or a free glass of wine with dinner before or after these events, when tickets are presented; reservations suggested beginning at 5 p.m. Visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org for video previews of the Met Live in HD Series. This series is underwritten by Jeanne Cook, Anita and Nicholas Donofrio, Liz and Steven Goldstone, Marilyn and Joe Kreitz, Joanne and John Patrick, Starbucks Coffee, Sabina and Walter Slavin, Taylor Zemo Foundation, The Ridgefield Press and Whistle Stop Bakery.

Puccini's moving story of young love in La Bohème is the most performed opera in Met history, and with good reason. Maija Kovalevska, Anita Hartig and Barbara Frittoli star as the frail Mimì in Franco Zeffirelli's classic production, with Joseph Calleja and Vittorio Grigolo sharing the role of her passionate lover, Rodolfo.

Music Director James Levine makes his long-awaited return to the Met podium to conduct Mozart's beloved opera, Così Fan Tutte, about testing the ties of love. The cast is filled with youthful Met stars: Susanna Phillips and Isabel Leonard are the sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella. Matthew Polenzani and Rodion Pogossov are their lovers, with Danielle de Niese as the scheming Despina.

Other events Live in HD from the Met this season include Rossini's La Cenerentola on Saturday, May 10, 12:55 p.m.

For tickets ($25 adults, $20 seniors/members, $15 students, $18 each for all 10 in the series), call the box office at (203) 438-5795, or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.