Boston's Best Operas

No need to drive to New York City to see a world class opera. Instead, check out these fantastic summer and fall offerings in Boston's best theaters. Let the lights dim and the curtains withdraw and escape to Africa, London, France or Russia with any of these five classic operas.

Carmen
The Boston Opera House
539 Washington St.
Boston MA 02111
(617) 259-3400
blo.org

Carmen is one of the world's most well loved operas and Boston is thrilled to offer this production, which is co-produced by Boston Lyric Opera and the San Francisco Opera. Set in Northern Africa, the Opera is written in and will be performed in French, but English subtitles will be available. This story of love and independence is paired with a captivating, energetic score which is sure to delight a new generation of opera goers. There will be just four show times available, so make sure to reserve tickets well in advance.

Every year, Boston residents are treated to the annual Boston Midsummer Opera. This summer, BMO presents Friedrich von Flotow's MARTHA a light, sweet comedy, perfect for a summer evening. Unlike many operas, this one will be performed in English making it a great choice for families and first time opera-goers. Of course, the story's language is hardy a convincing reason to attend, instead go for the classic story featuring disguise, mystery, humor and plot twists! There will be three performances; Wednesday, July 29 at 7:30 PM, Friday, July 31st at 7:30 PM and Sunday, August 2nd at 3:00 PM

La Boheme
The Shubert Theatre
265 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(866) 348-9738
www.citicenter.org

This four act show takes the classic art of opera into the modern age. Though it was written back in 1895 by Puccini, the story is timeless and has been adapted many times over the years. One of the most familiar modern iterations of La Boheme is the Broadway hit musical RENT. The version of La Boheme coming to the Shubert Theatre in Boston this fall is the classic original score but set in 1960's Paris during France's student revolution.

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Dimitrij a melancholy but deeply beautiful opera by renowned Czech composer Antonin Dvorak. Written in the late 1800's, Dimitrij is Dvorak's only opera, but the story adds the perfect amount of intrigue to his masterful score. This epic work is known as one of the Czech Republic's most important cultural and historical gems. The story follows Dimitrij, the possible son of Ivan the Terrible as he tries to rise to power over a split Russian people. Politics, history, love and betrayal, this opera has it all.

Greek
Emerson Paramount Center
559 Washington St.
Boston MA 02111
(617) 542-4912
blo.org

The Boston Lyric Opera has another fantastic show coming to the Emerson Paramount Center in the Theater District this fall. Greek will delight audiences with lyrics sung in English. The story is an adaptation of the classic Sophocles tragedy Oedipus the King. This version sets the story in London's mysterious East End in the 1980's. With its modern setting, Greek is able to employ jazz and rock influences while telling an ancient tale of murder and romance.

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