Metropolitan Opera performances to be broadcast live in Toledo theater

10/1/2009

For the third year, the Metropolitan Opera will broadcast live performances of its productions into theaters across the country and around the world. In addition this year, encore productions of the operas will be offered.

The full schedule of screenings will take place at Maumee 18 Cinema Delux, 1360 Conant St., Maumee.

Saturday performances will begin at 1 p.m.; encore showings start at 6:30 p.m.

Here is the schedule for 2009-2010:

Oct. 10: Tosca. Finnish soprano Karita Mattila stars in the title role of this Puccini favorite with Marcelo Alvarez and George Gagnidze in this production conducted by James Levine. Encore: Oct. 28.

Oct. 24: Aida. Daniele Gatti conducts this production of the Verdi classic, with leads sung by Violeta Urmana, Dolora Zajick, and Johan Botha. Encore: Nov. 11.

Nov. 7: Turandot. Andris Nelsons conducts this Puccini tragedy in a Franco Zeffirelli production starring Maria Guleghina, Marina Poplavskaya, Marcello Giordano, and Samuel Ramey. Encore: Nov. 18.

Dec. 19: Les Contes d'Hoffmann. Anna Netrebko portrays the tragic heroine in the Offenbach opera also featuring Alan Held and conducted by Met music director Levine. Encore: Jan. 6.

Jan. 9: Der Rosenkavalier. This Strauss comic opera stars Renee Fleming and Susan Graham, with Kristinn Sigmundsson and Thomas Allen. James Levine conducts. Encore: Jan. 27.

Jan. 16: Carmen. Yannick Nezet-Seguin conducts the Bizet favorite with Elina Garanca in her Met debut as Carmen and Roberto Alagna as Don Jose. Encore: Feb. 3.

Feb. 6: Simon Boccanegra. Tenor Placido Domingo launches his fourth decade at the Met with the title role in Verdi's political thriller - written for a baritone. Also performing are Adrianne Pieczonka, Marcello Giordani, and James Moms, with Levine conducting. Encore: Feb. 24.

March 27: Hamlet. Simon Keenlyside and Natalie Dessay star in Ambroise Thomas's opera based on the Shakespeare tragedy. Louis Langree conducts. Encore: April 14.

May 1: Armida. Rossini's opera about a sorceress stars Renee Fleming and six tenors. Riccardo Frizza conducts. This fanciful and magical tale, Zimmerman says, "has an epic, enchanted quality and a tremendous visual element." Encore: May 19.

Tickets are $15-$22 at the box office, or they can be purchased in advance online at movietickets.com, where a $1 service charge is added.