Playhouse on the Square, Opera Memphis Present A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Playhouse on the Square and Opera Memphis announced today the world premiere of Michael Ching's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM - OPERA A CAPPELLA to be performed at Playhouse on the Square Thursday through Saturday nights at 8PM and Sunday afternoons at 2PM from January 21 - February 13, 2011.

A collaboration between Opera Memphis and Playhouse on the Square featuring DeltaCappella, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM - OPERA A CAPPELLA will be directed and choreographed by Gary John LaRosa and will be performed in English.

Composer Michael Ching puts an innovative twist on a beloved classic in the world premiere of his new operatic version of William Shakespeare's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. The production will be the first attempt by any North American Opera Company at a full length mainstage opera performed entirely a cappella. Opera Memphis joins forces with Playhouse on the Square to mount a production exciting to both the opera lover and avid theatre-goer. Memphis' favorite a cappella group DeltaCappella will be featured as the "vocal orchestra."
Soprano Jennifer Goode Cooper, described by the New York Times as a "powerful, expressive soprano" with"good dramatic instincts," makes her Playhouse on the Square and Opera Memphis debut as Titania. Baritone John Dooley, who was in the premiere cast for ASHMODEUS (Dove) with Opera Vivente and FRONTINO (Rossini) with Bronx Opera, also makes his debut at both companies as Lysander. Opera Memphis Artist-in-Residence Jeremiah Johnson returns to the Opera Memphis stage as Theseus/Oberon. Playhouse on the Square Resident Company Member Laura Stracko, recipient of the 2010 Ostrander Rising Star Award, makes her Opera Memphis debut as Hermia.

Sponsors for A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM - OPERA A CAPPELLA include the Adams Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Mednikow, First Tennessee Foundation Award for Innovation in the Arts, and Heart and Soul Catering. To purchase tickets, call The Playhouse on the Square box office at 901.726.4656 or visit www.playhouseonthesquare.org.

ABOUT PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE Playhouse on the Square is Memphis' only resident professional theatre. Now in its 41st season, the company remains dedicated to its mission to bring a challenging and diverse repertoire of theatrical work that speaks to the intelligence, soul, and imagination of the Memphis community. Playhouse on the Square's 2010-2011 season is sponsored by Jeniam Foundation and Dr. Thomas Ratliff. www.playhouseonthesquare.org

ABOUT OPERA MEMPHIS The mission of Opera Memphis is to entertain and educate Memphis and the MidSouth by producing professional quality opera and diverse outreach programming. Opera Memphis' 2010-2011 season is sponsored by the Adams Foundation, ArtsMemphis, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and the Hyde Family Foundations. www.operamemphis.org