DETROIT, Michigan, July 9, 2008...For the first time in company history, Michigan Opera Theatre is offering an all-new Children’s Discovery Subscription Series, providing the cost savings and benefits of a subscription for family-oriented events at the Detroit Opera House. Subscribers to this year’s Children’s Discovery Series will enjoy The Joffrey Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 12 p.m., the Grand Rapids Ballet Company’s Aladdin on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 12 p.m., and the Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus performance of Brundibar on Saturday, March 21 at 12 p.m.

“The Children’s Discovery Series is something that we hope will encourage families to come to the Detroit Opera House and experience music and dance together,” says Michigan Opera Theatre General Director Dr. David DiChiera. “In Detroit’s tough economy, it’s a reasonably-priced solution for families to expose children to the performing arts.”

Subscriptions to the Children’s Discovery Series are only $60, or $20 per performance for seats on the main floor of the house, providing a savings of nearly 40% over the regular ticket price. Subscriptions are currently available. To purchase a subscription to the Children’s Discovery Series, visit www.MichiganOpera.org or call 313-237-SING.

The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker-December 4-7, 2008
The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns home to the Detroit Opera House this December! One of Detroit’s most beloved holiday traditions held annually at the Detroit Opera House, this magical tale has engaged audiences for over 100 years with Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s incredible score and more than 50 of the world’s finest dancers. The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker will captivate Detroit audiences in seven performances, December 4-7, 2008. ***Please note that these dates have changed from previous announcements.***

The 2008 Nutcracker festivities will again feature special family events at the matinee performances, including face painting, photos with Santa and The Nutcracker, and the Sugar Plum Parade—a special opportunity to meet Nutcracker dancers on the stage of the Detroit Opera House.

The Grand Rapids Ballet Company’s Aladdin- February 28, 2009
Take a magic carpet ride at the Detroit Opera House when the Grand Rapids Ballet Company’s Aladdin flies into the Detroit Opera House! The Detroit Opera House is pleased to announce the highly-anticipated annual return of The Grand Rapids Ballet Company, performing a brand-new production of Aladdin. Gordon Peirce Schmidt’s new Aladdin is a magical journey and a feast for the senses. This creative ballet features incredible sets, costumes, choreography and even a magic flying carpet! The tale of a poor boy, a beautiful princess, magicians and a heroic genie is perfect for the whole family, Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus presents Brundibar-March 21, 2009
The Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus presents an opera for children – by children. Brundibar, a children’s opera with immense historical significance will be performed entirely by children, following the recent success of the MOTCC’s The Maker of Illusions this past May. The opera will be presented in a limited two-performance engagement March 21st at 12 noon and 5 p.m.

Brundibar is a children’s opera written in 1938 by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krasa as an allegory to give hope to children and adults in a seemingly hopeless time. An opera that opens the doors for appropriate age-level discussion, the performance is designed to be a learning experience for adults and children alike. The opera begins when two children, Annette and Little Joe, try to earn money to buy milk for their sick mother. They decide to sing in the marketplace to raise the needed funds, but the evil organ grinder Brundibar chases them away. However, with the help of a fearless sparrow, keen cat, wise dog, and the children of the town, Annette and Little Joe are able to chase Brundibar away and sing in the market square.

The Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus (MOTCC), led by Michigan Opera Theatre Chorus Master Suzanne Mallare Acton, is a permanent ensemble for Metro Detroit youth interested in vocal musical theatrical art. Accepting children ages 10-16 with unchanged voices by audition; the choir performs as a separate ensemble as well as with international opera stars in Michigan Opera Theatre productions.

Contact

Rebekah Johnson
(313) 237-3403
rjohnson@motopera.org

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