In addition to the touring shows opening at the Seattle Outdoor Theatre Festival in Volunteer Park, Seattle Opera has some outdoor shows as well as some original scripts indoors this summer.
In late July and early August, Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World will be performed free to the public in two Seattle Parks, Powell Barnett Park in the Central District and Highland Park Playground in West Seattle. Free to the public, with music by Joe Illick and an original libretto by Mark Campbell, this 35-minute opera for youth audiences tells the story of Mariana, a young girl living in Mexico City who has her portrait painted by Frida Kahlo. Although nervous at first, Mariana soon befriends Frida and learns two important lessons: how to be brave when you feel scared, and that art can happen anywhere. With a catchy score and a libretto that moves fluidly between English and Spanish, it’s the perfect introduction to the magic of opera. (Info and Tickets: seattleopera.org/Frida )
In late June, six new short operas, by Washington State composers and librettists, will be performed as part of the Creation Lab, in the Tagney-Jones performance hall, at Seattle Center; admission is free with an RSVP. (see below for detailed schedule and RSVP info)
Finally, the younger generation, those in their 20’s and 30’s are invited to Bravo!Kickoff Party at the National Nordic Museum in Ballard on August 2, at 6:30 (Info and Tickets: Seattle Opera/kickoff)
“Summer is the perfect time to explore the many ways opera can expand beyond the opera house,” said General Director Christina Scheppelmann. “Opera isn’t only serious drama—it has always had a lighthearted side, too. Our summer programs highlight this underappreciated dimension and offer a variety of delights for all ages.”
Schedule of Events
Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World
Free public performances (no tickets required):
Powell Barnett Park: Saturday, July 22, & Sunday, August 13, at 10:00 AM. 352 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Seattle, WA 98112
Highland Park Playground: Sunday, July 23, & Saturday, August 12, at 10:00 AM. 1100 SW Cloverdale St. ( West Seattle), Seattle 98106
More information at seattleopera.org/Frida
Creation Lab
Program A
Friday, June 23 at 1:00 PM and Saturday, June 24 at 5:00 PM
Tagney Jones Hall
The Lost Genital Department
Shaat kot draa blod
Chop Chop!
Program B
Friday, June 23 at 5:00 PM and Saturday, June 24 at 1:00 PM
Tagney Jones Hall
Hello World
Ghosts in the Forest
Everything After
Program A
Friday, June 23 at 1:00 PM and Saturday, June 24 at 5:00 PM
Tagney Jones Hall
The Lost Genital Department
Shaat kot draa blod
Chop Chop!
Program B
Friday, June 23 at 5:00 PM and Saturday, June 24 at 1:00 PM
Tagney Jones Hall
Hello World
Ghosts in the Forest
Everything After