Sweeney Todd: Yes, you want to come.

Today's post is from Wolf Trap Opera Company Administrative Director Lee Anne Myslewski.


On Friday, July 22, the Wolf Trap Opera Company will reveal their latest collaboration with the National Symphony Orchestra, Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd. I'd like to encourage all of you to attend the performance, and, to assist you in your decision making process, I'd like to take this opportunity to answer some questions you haven't even asked.

So, you think opera is big and scary?

Don't worry, this isn't opera. It's musical theater. Or musical drama. Or a fantastic story. Heck, even Sondheim wasn't sure what to call it. He settled for "musical thriller," and that title is probably the most apt. Here's the gist: it's the story of a man done wrong, who takes revenge. As much as we'd all like to think that we're above that, seeing someone get their just desserts is pretty satisfying... and this is no exception.

Oh, you say you love opera?

Well, this is opera at its finest with the rising stars who will be populating major companies' rosters in a few short years. We do a nationwide audition tour every year, and of the more than 1,000 singers who apply, we accept the top 2%. These folks are at the outset of their careers, but you can see them now before you have to pay Met or La Scala ticket prices. We have alums performing in every major opera house in the world, and a full 12% of the Met roster is comprised of folks who have sung on our stages. To use a baseball analogy, think of it as Opera's finest Farm team.

You're really not into the arts, you'd rather sit in front of your computer?

Well, come see our computer designed set projections. projections and video designer S. Katy Tucker has created a unique video environment for Sweeney to inhabit- part film, part video game- totally original to this production.

Oh, it's Mortal Kombat you'd rather be playing?

Trust me. We've got all the guts and gore you could possibly need. C'mon, this barber kills the folks who have done him wrong, and his neighbor, Mrs. Lovett, makes them into meat pies. After this, you'll be several weeks away from enjoying an empanda, I promise.

You want to bring children, you say?

Oh, never mind. Probably not a good idea. But we would welcome you to our performance of the National Symphony Orchestra with Disney in Concert: Magical Music from the Movies.

You're still not convinced?

Take a chance. Lawn tickets are only $20 ($10 with our student discount). Bring your own picnic and enjoy an evening under the stars.

Hope to see you there!