Opera? Yes! ... Another Trip North.

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- If you have just moved to Warren County, you might have discovered that we do not have a "professional" opera company in residence here. So, this past week, I made another “field trip” to Dayton to the Schuster Center for the Dayton Opera production of the great Verdi opera, AIDA. (This IS our closest , easiest and least expensive opera venue to attend from Warren County.)

Triumphant Scene : AIDA : DAYTON OPERA

AIDA didn’t disappoint with interesting sets featuring a central Sphinx head and stairs, as well as beautiful costumes. The large cast, with over 50, included fine choreography, energetic choruses and professional principal artists. 

The Dayton Philharmonic under the baton of Keitaro Harada (making his Dayton Opera debut) made the performance a great success musically. 

My husband snapped a photo of Keitaro Harada and me as he stopped for a second to chat.

A highlight of AIDA is the Triumphant March and Scene in the Second Act, which includes animals, and this production had well behaved horses who received a program credit! The horses had a Warren County connection as they were from Salt Run Stables. (FYI : Salt Run has riding and horse boarding.)

The horses had a Warren County connection as they were from Salt Run Stables

Bugles and trumpets on stage added to the atmosphere. I can’t say enough good things about the choreography of the dance numbers done by Crystal Michelle Perkins. The dances not only were creative but fit perfectly into the overall performance, adding not only color but, also, showcasing the dancer’s talent.

The principal artists, Laquita Mitchell (Aida), Nathan Gunner (Radames) and Deborah Nansteel (Amneris) were all excellent in their respective parts and in the ensembles. The solo arias were well received especially CELESTE AIDA, which Nathan Gunner rendered with sincerity and passion.

The performances were sellouts this past weekend. And for many, it was  a wonderful opportunity to see this as a “first" opera. 

Be advised that the next time a BIG PRODUCTION is coming is Nov 1 & 2,  which is Bizet’s CARMEN. So, as an advance warning, subscribe now or check single tickets when they go on sale and make sure you have yours! This opera would also be another amazing “first" opera for someone to attend ... and it will sell out.

NOTE: Parking in ARTS GARAGE was $10.00. Tickets for AIDA started at $15.50 – with some discounts as low as $5.00. For pricing on CARMEN visit daytonperformingarts.org. 

Dayton Opera IS the closest (and least expensive) professional opera to Warren County, Ohio.

More News from Lebanon

• Carbohydrates In The Diet Brenda ihle is a RN CHN HHP and Author of "A Health Connection"
• Public Hearing Set Prior to Springboro Council's Regularly Scheduled Meeting Springboro's April 17th Public Hearing is regarding an ordinance containing amendment to the Planning & Zoning Code