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Jan. 4, 2013

For immediate release


Opera on the Kansas plains opens Wichita's 2013 cultural calendar

(Wichita, Kan.) - International talent again graces the stage and opens Wichita's year-round calendar full of culture and entertainment.

Wichita Grand Opera shares a spotlight with the Metropolitan Opera as the only two professional opera companies in the United States performing Verdi's "Otello" in 2013.

The Shakespearean tragedy set to music depicts the eternal conflict in human nature between depravity and innocence. Leading the Wichita cast are Martin Iliev, one of the premier tenors from Europe, and Metropolitan Opera soprano Zvetelina Vassileva. Both have performed with the National Opera Sofia (Bulgaria).  "Otello" will be performed Jan. 19, 2013, in Wichita's Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center.

Wichita Grand Opera's season also includes productions of Donizetti's "Don Pasquale" on Feb. 8-9 and May 17; Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" on March 16; and Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" on May 1. For more information contact Tony Applegate, marketing manager, 316.683.3444 or marketing@wichitagrandopera.org.

The Wichita Symphony's "Charlie Chaplin in Blue Jeans" concert combines classic comedy with classic music. The concert goes horribly wrong when an annoying mime fights conductor Daniel Hege for control of the orchestra. It's a prelude to the introduction of two timeless Charlie Chaplin films, "Easy Street" and "The Immigrant." Both films are shown on a large screen and accompanied by the Wichita Symphony. Performances are scheduled Jan. 25-27. The Wichita Symphony's Blue Jeans concerts are popular by creating a less-formal atmosphere than a traditional symphony performance. For more information, call Arleigh Aldrich at 316.267.5259 or aaldrich@wso.org.  

Theater League brings the Tony Award-winning musical "Jersey Boys" into Wichita. Based on the career of ‘60s pop sensations The Four Seasons, "Jersey Boys" follows the original members of the band's rise from blue collar kids to Rock N Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Hear hit songs like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry" and "My Eyes Adored You" Jan. 29-Feb. 10. For more information, contact Amy Hamm, marketing director, 913.652.7449 or amy.hamm@theaterleague.com.

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