Atlanta Opera Coming to Roswell Cultural Arts Center

By Bob Pepalis

The Atlanta Opera will bring eight performances of En Mis Palabras and Knightly News in venues throughout the Atlanta area as part of its 2013-2014 Studio Tour.

Both operas have subject matters and lengths that make them ideal for families with children in elementary, middle and high school. These interactive and educational performances provide an opportunity for families throughout the metro-Atlanta area to explore and experience opera together.

Tickets to all performances of En Mis Palabras and Knightly News are $7 per person, and can be purchased at the Atlanta Opera website, or by calling 404-881-8885.

En Mis Palabras

In En Mis Palabras, a bilingual (Spanish and English) opera targeted at audiences in grades 6-12, a young girl named Ana Maria struggles with finding her own voice and figuring out who she is. Meanwhile, her father struggles to let go so that his daughter can safely develop her own sense of self. En Mis Palabras features four singers, a guitarist and a pianist. Approximate running time is one hour.

Performance Dates and Locations

• Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, 7 p.m.
  Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA 30331
• Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, 7 p.m.
  La Amistad at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 3434 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, 7 p.m.
  The Atlanta Opera Center, 1575 Northside Drive NW, Building 300, Suite 350, Atlanta, GA 30318

Knightly News

Knightly News, most appropriate for grades K-5, is a mixed-up operatic newscast featuring modern characters from traditional tales. The theme of Knightly News reminds the audience that each person has unique talents and strengths that are valuable in different ways. Knightly News features four singers and a pianist, and will be performed in English. Approximate running time is one hour.

Performance Dates and Locations

• Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, 11 a.m.
  Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell, GA 30075
• Sunday, March 2, 2014, 3 p.m.
  Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, 8534 Main St, Woodstock, GA 30188
• Saturday, March 22, 2014, 11 a.m.
  The Atlanta Opera Center, 1575 Northside Drive NW, Building 300, Suite 350, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Sunday, March 30, 2014, 3 p.m.
  Decatur High School, 310 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030
• Saturday, April 12, 2014, 11 a.m.
  Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA 30331

En Mis Palabras Cast & Creative Team

Music by Roger Ames

Libretto by Jeffrey Gilden

Stage direction:          Alison Moritz

Musical direction:      Grant Jones

Set Design:                 Kat Conley

Costume Design:        Joanna Schmink

Ana Maria:                 Jayme Alilaw

Abuela:                       Stephanie Sanchez

Rodolfo:                      Pedro Carreras

Esteban:                      Ivan Segovia

Knightly News Cast & Creative Team

Music by Jonathan Stinson

Libretto Sarah Rogevich and Jonathan Stinson

Stage direction:          Park Cofield

Musical direction:      Grant Jones

Set Design:                 Kat Conley

Costume Design:        Joanna Schmink

Red:                            Elizabeth Stuk

Pyg:                             Abigail Halon

Prince:                        Pedro Carreras

Wolf:                          Ivan Segovia