Posted August 28, 2023
Dayton’s Opera, Ballet, and Philharmonic Orchestra Combine to Present the Ultimate Season-Opener with special guest artist: Monet X Change.
Sept. 16 at 7:30pm
Sept. 17 at 2:30pm
Schuster Center
Program:
Johannes Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 5
Vittorio Monti Czardas, Aurelian Oprea, violin
Vincenzo Bellini “Vi ravviso, o loughi ameni” from La sonnambula
Gioachino Rossini “La Calunnia” from The Barber of Seville
Johann Strauss, II Thunder and Lighting Polka
Johann Strauss, II Overture and Act II, Die Fledermaus
Kathleen Clawson, stage director; Neal Gittleman, conductor, and Brandon Ragland, choreographer.
DAYTON, OH (Aug. 28, 2023) – Break out your sequins and masquerade masks for Dayton Performing Arts Alliance’s Season Opening Celebration: Prince Orlofsky’s Grand Masquerade, Saturday, Sept. 16 at 7:30pm and Sunday, Sept. 17 at 2:30pm at the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. Dayton Ballet, Opera, and Philharmonic Orchestra take the stage in an extravagant season-opening concert featuring special guest and dual crown winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Monét X Change (bass-baritone), who makes her Dayton Opera debut in Act II of Strauss’ Die Fledermaus singing arias from Rossini and Bellini. Acting DPO Concertmaster Aurelian Oprea (violin) ignites the stage with Monti’s technically challenging Czardas. Tickets start at $23.00 and are available online at daytonperformingarts.org/tickets, by calling 937-228-3630, or in person at the Dayton Live Box Office in Downtown Dayton.
“I am so excited to begin the 23-24 Art That Moves Season with a comic masterpiece, the second act of Johann Strauss’ Fledermaus,” says Kathleen Clawson, Artistic Director of the Dayton Opera and Dr. Ron Anderson and Robb Sloan-Anderson Chair. “As is common in the world of opera, this act is often used for gala concerts, adding extra music and guest artists. DPAA is doing just that: ‘supersizing’ the production with additional ballet featuring brand new choreography by Brandon Ragland, Dayton Ballet’s new Artistic Director. Along with a cast of dazzling singers, the celebration also includes a virtuosic violin solo by Aurelian Oprea and our special guest star Monét X Change, singing arias by Bellini and Rossini.”
Die Fledermaus, an operetta composed by Johann Strauss II, premiered in Vienna in 1874 and is best known for its raucous and funny second act. Full of deceit, gossip, revenge, dancing, and plenty of champagne, Act II of Die Fledermaus is an audience and artist favorite, often performed as entertainment at galas and concerts. It features mezzo-soprano Katherine DeYoung (Orlofsky); bass-baritone Kenneth Shaw (Flake); soprano Amber Norelai (Adele); bass-baritone Sam Dhobhany (Frank); baritone Jason Cox (Eisenstein); soprano Rebecca Krynski-Cox (Rosalinda); and, special guest artist, bass-baritone Monét X Change.
Also on the concert is Vittorio Monti’s technically challenging Czardas, showcasing DPO Acting Concertmaster Aurelian Oprea. Johann Strauss’ Thunder and Lighting Polka is a top-tapping, bouncy, and bombastic polka for orchestra.
Special guest Monét X Change makes her Dayton Opera debut after Intermission, where she’ll appear as a guest at Prince Orlofsky’s grand masquerade. Known as an entertainment fire, Monét studied opera performance (bass-baritone) at the Westminster Choir College of Rider University and recently sang the role of the Duchess of Krakenthorp in the Minnesota Opera’s production of The Daughter of the Regiment. She is also known as the first double-crown winner from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and as an Ambassador for LA Opera’s Legacy Ambassador Program. She will perform Vincenzo Bellini’s “Vi ravviso, o loughi ameni” from La sonnambula and Gioachino Rossini’s “La Calunnia” from The Barber of Seville
Audiences can see DPAA’s Season Opening Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30pm and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 2:30pm. Saturday’s Opening Night festivities include a Preconcert Ballroom Bash and an After Party with Monét X Change and The Rubi Girls.
More than a concert—it’s a PARTY!
Preconcert Ballroom Bash
Opening night is more than a performance—it’s a party! Start your evening with cocktails, bites, and beverages at our Preconcert Ballroom Bash. You’ll mingle with friends while sipping cocktails and noshing on delicious appetizers in the Mathile Theatre. A black tie or costume optional event (although costumes are encouraged), DPAA’s Preconcert Ballroom Bash is only for the Saturday, September 16 performance and is not included on season subscriptions. Tickets are $150 per person. A limited number of tickets are available.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Preconcert Ballroom Bash.
After-Party with Monét X Change and The Rubi Girls
The fun doesn’t stop once the curtain goes down. After the show, keep the party going at the after-party with Monét X Change and Dayton’s lovely Rubi Girls! Show off your favorite dance moves with music from a local DJ, have a drink or two from the cash bar, and enjoy the night. Come as you are; or come as someone else! Bring a friend or two or a whole group. Whatever you decide, this after-party will be something you’ll never forget! Tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door. Limited tickets are available.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit After-Party with Monét X Change and The Rubi Girls.
Tickets are available for all events and can be purchased online at daytonperformingarts.org/tickets by calling 937-228-3630 or in person at the Dayton Live Box Office in Downtown Dayton. A limited number of $5 tickets to the performance will be available beginning Sept. Five dollar tickets are first-come, first-served and can be purchased at daytonperformingarts.org/tickets.
For more information about the Season Opening Celebration, visit Season Opening Celebration: Prince Orlofsky’s Grand Masquerade.
For information on DPAA’s Ballet, Opera, and Philharmonic Orchestra performances, visit Dayton Performing Arts Alliance.