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Tickets Available DAY OF SHOW at The Pickford Cinema
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$16 Members/$20 Non-MembersAll Operas presented in crystal clear High Definition with 5.1 Surround Sound.
139 minutes • 2012 • UK • Unrated
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“Does any ballet inspire such universal affection as La Fille Mal Gardée?” –The Telegraph
Delightful comedy and virtuosic choreography abound in Frederick Ashton’s sunny and beloved production of La Fille Mal Gardée from the Royal Ballet. The simple story of Lise, her suitor Colas, and Lise’s larger-than-life mother who tries to marry her off to the simpleton son of a rich neighbor is both funny and touching, and filled with glorious detailed movement. La Fille Mal Gardée is perfect for ballet newcomers and irresistible to audiences of all ages. Starring Steven McRae and Roberta Marquez
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This presentation will be 21 and over only. Beer and wine will be allowed in the theater!
166 minutes • 2011 • Germany • In German w/ English subtitles • Unrated
Limelight's Opera in Cinema
The Merry Widow (Die Lustige Witwe) had its premiere at Vienna's Theater an der Wien in 1905. The operetta, which tells the story of a wealthy widow in search of a new husband was a major success for its composer Franz Lehár (1870-1948) and quickly travelled to London and became a major Broadway sensation. Often called 'The Queen of Operettas', this is certainly the most celebrated and successful show of its kind ever written. The melodies and songs - "Vilja", "The Merry Widow Waltz" or "You'll Find Me At Maxim's", to name but a few - are lovingly played and sung the whole world ove. Combined with the frivolous Paris-set story line they make the operetta a sure box-office attraction. Frequently staged in an abridged version, this production from the Staatsoper Dresden features many musical numbers that are usually omitted. With Petra-Maria Schnitzer and Bo Skovhus the cast includes some of the most prestigious singers of the younger generation under the expert leadership of conductor Manfred Honeck. This staging by the famous opera director Jérôme Savary makes the "Merry Widow" a very colorful and a subtle tribute to the golden age of Hollywood.
175 minutes • 2012 • Italy • In English w/ English subtitles • Unrated
PFC's Opera in Cinema Series.
Admission: $20 (non-member), $16 (member)
British composer Benjamin Britten described his opera Peter Grimes as “the struggle of the individual against the masses. The more vicious the society, the more vicious the individual.” Set in a drab fishing village, Peter Grimes tells the story of a man accused by his neighbors of committing unspeakable crimes, and how their actions ripple further and further. Britten’s incredible score includes the Four Sea Interludes, instrumental music between scenes that perfectly express the mystery and pain at the heart of this opera. Starring John Graham-Hall, Susan Gritton, Christopher Purves and Felicity Palmer. From Teatro alla Scala, Milan.
220 minutes • 2012 • Italy • In Italian with English subtitles • Unrated
Envelope-pushing director Graham Vick describes his production of Anna Bolena as “two women making use of the bed to get to the throne and a man making use of the throne to get to the bed.” The man, of course, is Henry the 8th, and the women are his doomed wives, Jane Seymour and Anne Boleyn. Don’t miss this tale of treachery and scandal, brought to life in Donizetti’s sparkling score. From the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Italy.
155 minutes • 2012 • Unrated
Act I: Raymonda, who is betrothed to Jean de Brienne, is celebrating her birthday. Jean, who is expected to arrive the next day, has send some presents in advance. One of these presents is an embroidered portrait of himself. First, however, Abderman arrives and tries to court Raymonda. Raymonda then dreams that Jean comes down from his portrait to dance with her, however, when she wakes up she finds that Abderman is there again to "renew his amorous proposals." Act II: The festivities continue, and Abderman asks Raymonda to dance. Then, he and his accomplices attempt to abduct her. However, at that moment Jean arrives with his brother, the King of Hungary. There is a duel and Abderman is killed. Act III: There is a feast at the castle to celebrate the marriage of the two lovers, and much dancing.
145 minutes • 2012 • Italy • In Italian w/ English subtitles • Unrated
Politics become personal in Verdi’s I Vespri Siciliani (“The Sicilian Vespers”). Based on the true story of a 13th century Sicilian rebellion against occupying French forces, this grand opera weaves military intrigue with a tale of doomed love between a French Dutchess and a Sicilian rebel. Verdi’s meaty score is sung with full-throated intensity by Maria Agresti, Gregory Kunde and Franco Vassallo, with Gianandrea Noseda at the podium. From the Teatro Regio di Torino.
170 minutes • 2012 • Unrated
First staged in St Petersburg in 1890, The Sleeping Beauty is the pinnacle of classical ballet: a perfect marriage of Petipa’s choreography and Tchaikovsky’s music and a glorious challenge for every dancer onstage. It is also The Royal Ballet’s signature work. To mark the Company’s 75th birthday in 2006, Monica Mason and Christopher Newton revitalized its landmark 1946 production, which re-established Petipa’s choreography, as recorded by Imperial Ballet régisseur Nicholas Sergeyev, to a scenario and staging developed by Ninette de Valois herself. With Oliver Messel’s gorgeous original designs wonderfully re-imagined by Peter Farmer, and additional choreography by Anthony Dowell, Christopher Wheeldon and Frederick Ashton, today’s Sleeping Beauty not only captures the mood of the original but shows that this is very much a living work for The Royal Ballet, growing and changing with the Company while celebrating its past.
150 minutes • 2012 • Italy • In Russian w/ English subtitles • Unrated
Modest Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov is considered the most important Russian opera ever written. Mussorgsky rejected Western conventions in classical music, instead forging a uniquely Russian style that gives Boris Godunov its arresting and unforgettable sound. Starring Orlin Anastassov as the titular Czar of Russia, Ian Storey as the Pretender to the Throne, and Peter Bronder as Prince Shuysky, with Gianandrea Noseda at the podium. From the Teatro Regio di Torino.
180 minutes • 2012 • Italy • In Italian w/ English subtitles • Unrated
Norma is considered Vincenzo Bellini’s magnum opus, and the apex of the bel canto operatic style. The titular high priestess is filled with treasonous desire for a Roman soldier, forcing her to choose between duty and love. Flowing, lyrical melodies – including the infamously difficult soprano aria “Casta Diva” – only add to the passion and heartbreak. Starring Chiara Taigi, Gregory Kunde, Irina Lungu and Giacomo Prestia. From stunning outdoor arena stage at the Teatro Antico Taormina, Italy.
