Opera Theatre Announces a Topsy Turvy Season of Gilbert & Sullivan

Opera Theatre of the Rockies is excited to announce their entry into the "topsy turvy" world of Gilbert & Sullivan with performances of The Mikado. Performances will be at the Kathryn Mohrman Theatre, Armstrong Hall at Colorado College onMay 13 at 7:30 PM and May 14 at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $25 to $40 for adults, and student tickets are $10.

Opera Theatre stars light up the stage in this classic Gilbert & Sullivan operetta. Brilliant costumes, inspiring voices and the wonderful comedy of Gilbert & Sullivan will take the audience on a journey to 1885 Japan with a satirical look at British society, its institutions and morality.

Nanki-Poo loves Yum-Yum. Just one snag. She's betrothed to Ko-Ko, the new Lord High Executioner. And Ko-Ko needs to find someone to execute - chop chop! Otherwise, it's his own neck on the block. Maybe Ko-Ko & Nanki-Poo can come to some arrangement... without anyone losing their head?

It has been decades since a professional production of a Gilbert and Sullivan opera has graced a stage in the Pikes Peak Region. Opera Theatre of the Rockies is proud to present a full production of The Mikado with a full chorus of singers, costumes and sets accompanied by the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs.

"We are bubbling over with excitement about our season of Gilbert and Sullivan" says Martile Rowland, Opera Theatre's Artistic Director. "Clever words, terrific music, and laughter galore - what a topsy-turvy way to spend our 19th season.

Starring in the opera are Amy Maples, soprano; Eapen Leubner, tenor; and baritones Peter Tuff, Bradley Thompson and Robert Bruce. Rounding out this stellar cast are Valerie Nicolosi, Solveig Olsen and Stephanie Brink.

The Mikado is produced by Martile Rowland and conducted by Thomas Wilson. Directing is Steven LaCosse, currently serving as Director of the Fletcher Opera Institute at North Carolina School of the Arts. Opera Theatre's Music Director, Daniel S. Brink, will also serve as chorus master.

In addition to their performances of The Mikado, Opera Theatre is also pleased to present two additional events preceding the May performances.

On Thursday, March 23 at 7:30 PM at Packard Hall, Colorado College, Amy Maples, soprano, and Humberto Borboa, tenor, join forces with Opera Theatre of the Rockies' music director and pianist Daniel Brink to thrill you with renditions of famous arias & duets. Tickets are $15 and are available by calling (719) 646-3127, online at www.operatheatreoftherockies.org, or at the door.

Originally from Mexicali, Mexico, Humberto Borboa appeared as Ferrando in Opera Theatre's 2016 production of Cosi fan tutte. He has sung extensively across the United States, as well as appearing in Antigua, Guatemala, Austria, Chicago, Italy and the Czech Republic.

The incredible Amy Maples will appear as YumYum in Opera Theatre's production of The Mikado. Amy is a guest artist with such opera companies as Opera Colorado, Loveland Opera Theatre, Boulder Opera, The Ohio Light Opera, Piedmont Opera, and Flatirons Opera. Quickly gaining a reputation for her crystalline coloratura, relentless high notes, and witty theatrics, Amy compels audiences with her fearless artistry and attention to detail.

Opera Theatre of the Rockies is excited to present their "G & S & T Revue" (or Gilbert & Sullivan & Tea Revue), to be held onSunday afternoon, April 9, 2017 at 3 pm at The Pinery at The Hill to benefit Opera Theatre of the Rockies. The afternoon program will feature eight outstanding Opera Theatre Stars and narrator Robert Bruce, from KCME 88.7 FM, who will take you on a colorful tour of the topsy turvy world of Gilbert and Sullivan. While enjoying fancy tea delicacies and sipping tea, you will learn more about Gilbert and Sullivan and what prompted them to collaborate on their wildly popular works. The fast-paced and lyrical music - toe-tapping and melodic all at the same time - will surely transport attendees to Victorian England for a memorable afternoon not soon to be forgotten.

Reservations are $50 per person ($25 is tax deductible), and can be secured by calling the ticket line, (719) 646-3127, online at www.operatheatreoftherockies.org, or by sending in your check to Opera Theatre of the Rockies, PO Box 8110, Colo. Springs 80933 by April 5, 2017.

For more information about Opera Theatre of the Rockies, call (719) 570-1950 or visit our website atwww.operatheatreoftherockies.org.

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