Midlands Light Opera Society sails to ancient Carthage for Dido and Aeneas May 14-17.
Performances will be held May 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., and May 16 and 17 at 3 p.m. in the Pool Building of Bethel United Methodist Church at 4600 Daniel Drive in Columbia.
Queen Dido, portrayed by Christine Powell-Thomas, fled Tyre after her husband’s murder and established a kingdom in Carthage. Despite the urging of her handmaidens Belinda, portrayed by Maria Beery, and Second Woman, sung alternately by Paula Morris and Janice Mabrey, she has chosen not to accept suitors.
Aeneas, portrayed by Roddey Smith, fled Troy after it fell to the Spartans and follows his destiny of establishing a new home for his Trojan followers in Italy. When he and his son Ascanius, portrayed by Lina Cordova, stop in Carthage to rest and recover from their journey, the two monarchs fall in love.
Dido’s happiness angers the wicked Sorcerer, portrayed by Ben Palmer, and witches Belle Posso and Bella Strehl, who plot to break up the happy couple through a scheme involving the spirit of Mercury, portrayed by Bri Palmer, who also sings the Sailor.
Rounding out the cast are dancers and the onstage chorus, including Bethany Cely, Lilith Clary, Janice Mabrey, Patrick Pilat, and Dianne Palmer-Quay, along with the offstage chorus featuring Chavous Camp, Helen Camp, Will Cordova, Evelyn Clary, Douglas Deaderick, Robin Dorfer, Alex Mabrey, Sara Martinez, Duna Miller, and Kevin Oliver.
The production is directed and produced by Evelyn Clary, musically directed by Grant Hamby, accompanied by Josh Evanovich and Lucinda Shields, choreographed by Maria Beery, and costumed by Rob Richards, who also serves as propsmaster. A string quartet will also perform with the harpsichord. The opera is sung in English and runs about one hour.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. To encourage young people to gain exposure to opera, student tickets for the May 14 performance will be pay what you can. Those wishing to lend additional support may purchase friend tickets for $25 and super friend tickets for $50.
Tickets are available online at Midlands Light Opera Society and may also be purchased at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain.
Midlands Light Opera Society is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that exists to provide opportunities for community members of all ages and experience levels to perform light opera and for the community to experience family-friendly live opera.