UofL Opera Theatre presents a comedy and a tragedy April 19 and 20

 University of Louisville Opera Theatre presents two, one-act operas April 19 and 20 at the historic Playhouse Theatre on UofL’s Belknap campus.

First on the bill is “Down in the Valley,” a folk-opera by composer Kurt Weill and librettist Arnold Sundgaard. It tells the tragic story of a teenage boy who falls in love with a girl, Jennie, after an Appalachian prayer meeting. Jennie’s father wants her to go to a dance with a shyster creditor who the father thinks will bail him out of his money troubles. Jennie disobeys and goes to the dance with the boy, setting a series of tragic events into motion.

The second program will be “Doctor Miracle,” an opérette by the French composer Georges Bizet. This hilarious opera is about a young man’s quest to marry histrue love, the mayor’s daughter. Trying to win her hand, he disguises himself as a servant, who makes a poison omelet, and, later, as a doctor who saves the family.

Michael Ramach, co-director of the opera theatre program, said these shows beautifully suit the cast of 17 vocal students accompanied by members of the University Symphony Orchestra.    

“Audiences will enjoy seeing these operas together, both musically and thematically because you’re getting a tragedy and a comedy,” Ramach said. “And, they’re accessible for everyone. For people who’ve considered opera and want to dip their toes into the experience, this is a great exposure.”  

The shows are 8 p.m. April 19 and 20 at The Playhouse, 1911 S. 3rd St. Tickets are $20, $10 for students and seniors, free for all UofL students, staff and faculty. For tickets, call 502-852-6907.

For more information, contact Ramach at 502-852-0544 ormichael.ramach@louisville.edu.

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