YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Opera Western Reserve’s next performance will take place in an unusual setting: the taproom at Penguin City Brewing.
The company will stage “The Voice” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at the downtown brewery.
The one-act opera, directed by Scott Skiba, general director of OWR, will be sung in English. “The Voice” was composed by Francis Poulenc in 1958 and is based on the play “La Voix Humaine” by Jean Cocteau.
OWR launched its alternative venue programming last spring with a production of Argento’s “Miss Havisham’s Wedding Night.”
“We’re excited to continue this programming with a gripping production of ‘The Voice’ and to explore this new partnership with Penguin City and reach new audiences with the power of ‘The Human Voice’ as only possible through opera theater,” Skiba said.
“The Voice” tells the story of a woman, known only as Elle, as she engages in a final phone call with her lover who has left her for another woman. As the conversation unfolds in real time, the audience witnesses Elle’s emotional unravelling.
The performance will take place in the unique atmosphere of the taproom. The event will include raffle items, a cash bar and Suzie’s food truck.
The event will start at 5:30 p.m., with the performance at 6 p.m.
Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, March 31. General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. VIP table packages are $300 for a table of eight or $160 for four seats at a table. VIP tables include one drink per guest and a charcuterie board from Jimmy’s Italian Specialties.
Call the box office at 330 259 9651, or go to OperaWesternReserve.org.
Sponsorship packages are also available.