Editor's pick: Delaware Valley Opera opens 21st season

Offenbach’s ‘La Perichole’ leads off lineup in Loch Sheldrake

WHEN: Saturday, July 14.

WHERE: Sullivan County Community College’s Seelig Theatre, Loch Sheldrake.

COST: $15-$25.

CONTACT: call 845/252-7272.

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — According to new artistic director Jim Blanton, the 21st season of the Delaware Valley Opera will interest both opera lovers and those who have never seen, or been interested in, opera. At one end of the spectrum is the classic operatic tragedy “Norma,” at the other a selection of lighthearted operetta.

The season opener, “La Perichole,” by Offenbach, is a quirky selection that falls somewhere in the middle. Offenbach specialized in operettas or opera comique with a wickedly satirical slant. In this piece the street singer, La Perichole, and her jealous lover follow adventure from the streets of Peru to the Viceroy’s Palace and back again in an uncommon opera experience that includes a cast of eccentric characters and a toe dance in a jail cell. The opera will be sung in English. Area singers Julie Ziavras, Osualdo Cicchetti and Eric Barsness will headline a large cast along with chorus and orchestra. The opera will be repeated on Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 28 at the Tusten Theatre in Narrowsburg.

Upholding the classic tradition of bel canto opera will be “Norma” by Bellini, sung in Italian. Performances will be on Saturday, July 21, Sunday, July 29, and Saturday, August 4 and Friday, August 10 at the Tusten Theatre. Incantations, sorcery and treachery are all part of the brew as the tale unfolds of the ancient Druid priestess, Norma, and the invading Roman womanizer, Pollione. Tenor Marshall Cooper of Matamoras will join rising New York opera stars Erika Wueschner and Erika Person to headline this production with chorus and orchestra.

For a lighter touch, there will be “Naughty Operetta,” featuring the music of Victor Herbert and Sigmund Romberg, with performances on Sunday, July 22, Friday, July 27 and Sunday, August 5 at the Tusten Theatre in Narrowsburg and Saturday, August 11 at the Seelig Theatre at Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake. Soprano Jody Weatherstone, tenor Anthony Daino and baritone Mark Gargiulo, with Blanton at the piano, will perform the flirtatious, romantic and heartfelt music of Victor Herbert and Sigmund Romberg in highlights from favorite operettas of these two popular composers, all in English.

Tickets may be ordered by phone or purchased at the door as available.