A truly revolutionary production that redefined the modern opera, Moby Dick returns to the stage early November. The story we all know and love is reimagined on a grand scale, featuring sweeping sets and memorable performances. In a league of its own, Moby Dick is an unforgettable experience for opera lovers, and a unique perspective on the epic story for first-timers alike.
A production by Leonard Foglia originally commissioned and produced by The Dallas Opera, “opened in a blaze of glory” in 2010. In the years since, it has been met with thunderous applause and critical acclaim in ports of call all around the world.
Composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer based their work on Herman Melville’s sprawling, epic tale of Captain Ahab’s obsession with a great white whale—and the destruction it brings upon his crew. The opera splendidly illustrates the danger, tensions, and exhilaration of life aboard a 19th century whaling ship, as shipmates battle the harsh forces of nature in addition to Ahab’s brewing madness.
The production will open with the Rosemary and Roger Enrico Foundation Performance on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center (2403 Flora St. in the Dallas Arts District). Ticket prices start at just $19 - call 214.443.1000 or click here.
Moby-Dick set a new standard for contemporary opera when it first took North Texas audiences by storm in 2010. This revival of the universally acclaimed original production incorporates an epic set design by Robert Brill, stunning video projections by Elaine J. McCarthy, and period-authentic costumes designed by Jane Greenwood with lighting by Gavan Swift. Heggie’s sweeping, neo-Romantic score will be performed by The Dallas Opera Orchestra and The Dallas Opera Chorus, as well as a host of international stars.
This is a proud moment for the company. Besides the exciting opportunity to showcase Texas tenor, Jay Hunter Morris, in one of his very favorite roles. It’s a special thrill to bring Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s masterpiece back to the Winspear Opera House stage, where this opera was born. Having just come to Texas six years ago as the general director and CEO, I will never forget the tremendous response from Dallas Opera audiences to this world premiere. Clearly, music critics and patrons alike were enthralled; from Jake’s Prelude, accompanied by Elaine McCarthy’s morphing projections of a star field, to the poignant final notes of this stunning production. I consider Moby-Dick one of the finest operas of the past thirty years. For all these reasons, and more, I was determined to revive this production for North Texas audiences to enjoy – at least one more time.
-Keith Cerny, the Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO
For ticket information click here.
For a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this opera, click here.