Overview
The New Jersey Opera Theater presents as series of Act 1's.
JULY 27, 5 p.m. | DIE WALKÜRE by Wagner
Before there was The Lord of the Rings, there was The Ring Cycle, of which DIE WALKÜRE is a part. A series of four operas by Richard Wagner, The Ring Cycle is based loosely on Norse mythology.
The story revolves around a magic ring that grants the power to rule the world, forged by Alberich from the gold he stole from mermaids in the River Rhine. Crushed by his loss, Alberich lays a curse on the ring: until it returns to him, it will inspire restless jealousy in those who won it and murderous envy in those who don’t, thus condemning all the possessors of the ring.
Several mythic figures struggle for possession of the ring, including Wotan (Odin), the chief of the gods. Wotan’s scheme spanning generations, to overcome his limitations, drives much of the action of the story. DIE WALKÜRE is where all of Wotan’s earthly and celestial children get caught up in his mess from the curse of the ring. During DIE WALKÜRE Act 1, we get to meet Wotan’s earthly love children and learn of their cursed past. Yes, Wotan had an affair with a mortal woman, which really upset his Goddess wife, Fricka, which we hear about in Act 2. Wotan’s other daughter, Brünnhilde, is forced by her father to do something to make Fricka happy, but she disobeys her father and stepmother. Because of Brünnhilde’s betrayal, all hell breaks loose, which brings us to The Ride of the Valkyries in Act 3.
This production will take place during the 1920s to pay tribute to the history of UCPAC’s Main Stage, which was built in 1928 and is currently celebrating its 95th anniversary. Please come dressed in your favorite 1920s (think The Great Gatsby and Boardwalk Empire) attire! A 1920s-style Jazz Band will play during two intermissions with cocktails and appetizers.
SEPTEMBER 21, 7 p.m. | Opera Gems
NJ Opera Theater’s Opera Gems concert will be a treasure chest filled with soaring arias, duets, and ensembles by your favorite composers. Selections will include La Donna è Mobile from Rigoletto, The Queen of the Night’s aria from The Magic Flute, Vissi d’arte from Tosca, The Ride of the Valkyries and much more. New Jersey Opera Theater’s cast includes artists from The Metropolitan Opera. Private Meet & Greet VIP cocktail reception with the cast is available after the show.
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