It has been more than twenty years since The Dallas Opera's only production of Donizetti's sparkling comic masterpiece DON PASQUALE. The 1989 production boasted a superb cast headed up by the unforgettable Paolo Montarsolo in the title role, and which also starred Richard Stilwell as "Dr. Malatesta", introduced Dallas audience's to Ruth Ann Swenson, and featured the American debut of Argentine tenor Raul Gimenez.

In the coming years, I think that we will look back on our 2010 production with equal pride. We welcome back Donato DiStefano as the easily befuddled "Pasquale" after previous critically acclaimed appearances with the company, in Rossini's CINDERELLA (2004) and THE BARBER OF SEVILLE (2006.) The wonderful Nathan Gunn returns as "Dr. Malatesta", who debuted here as "Gulglielmo" in COSÌ FAN TUTTE in 2003.

We are pleased to welcome American tenor Norman Shankle, our "Ernesto" who is returning to this country after a decade in Europe, where he has become a leading exponent of the Donizetti and Mozart repertoire. He was to have made his debut here back in 2002 as "Jacquino" in a production of FIDELIO, but asked to withdraw when he was offered the year round contract in Germany that launched his European career. We are so pleased that he is finally making his debut with the company.

Speaking of debuts, I am delighted that the captivating Slovakian soprano, Adriana Kucerova has chosen to make her American debut with The Dallas Opera, continuing our long held tradition of introducing many of the world's leading foreign artists to opera audiences in the United States for the first time. That list includes many of the world's greatest singers, including as it does, Plácido Domingo, Joan Sutherland and so many more. In years to come, I suspect that we will also remember Adriana Kucerova as being among the most gifted artists who first sang on our stage, and it will be a debut of which we will all be justifiably proud.

This production will be conducted by the very gifted Italian maestro Stefano Ranzani, who just a few months ago made his debut at New York's Metropolitan Opera leading performances of Puccini's IL TRITTICO. DON PASQUALE will be staged by Candace Evans, who directed our enchanting production of THE MERRY WIDOW in 2007, and the production was designed by the late Jean-Pierre Ponnelle, a legendary man of the theatre, and originally created for London's Covent Garden.

This production promises to be truly special, and one that you will remember for at least another twenty years!

It's that time again! Time to find out whether your favorite opera will take centerstage in the upcoming Dallas Opera season.

Tuesday, February 23rd from 6:30 until 8:00 pm, current Dallas Opera subscribers will be treated to an exclusive first look at the 2010-2011 Season in the intimate setting of the Nancy B. Hamon Education and Recital Hall in the Winspear Opera House at AT&T Performing Arts Center. Expect a warm welcome from the leadership and staff of the Dallas Opera as we announce and explain the line-up for our second season in our beautiful new home!

You will also be the first to view the new season's creative materials. The "icing on the cake" will be a short concert performed by one of the stars of the 2010-2011 Season – and it's all absolutely free for loyal Dallas Opera subscribers!

RSVPs required for this very special event. Call 214.443.1044 or secure your spot by contacting the Dallas Opera at amici@dallasopera.org. We hope to see you there!

Fans of the fabulous floral designs of The Garden Gate will want to pay special attention to Norina’s flowers during our upcoming performances of DON PASQUALE. Whether designing for a high-profile opera occasion or a gorgeous period piece, floral designs from The Garden Gate always earn standing ovations!

As The Dallas Opera approaches its spring run of shows, the Production Crew is faced with a daunting task: managing two operas simultaneously. With crew members learning how to reconstruct entire sets within a few hours on a daily basis, The Dallas Opera is faced with its own "White Whale." Fortunately, at the helm stand two veteran captains: Stage Managers Lisa Marie Lange and Bethany Ann Wright. With these stalwarts of the theater in command, nothing can stand in the way of a successful season, not even Moby-Dick itself.

Lisa Marie and Bethany both discovered their love for Stage Management while in college. "When they asked for help on the operas, I thought, 'Why not?'" Lisa Marie recalls while attending the University of Wisconsin. "My college professor told me I was good at stage managing and that I should think about a career in opera." While earning a degree in theater at Rollins College, Bethany's aspirations to become an actress were replaced with a desire to work backstage. "I shifted my focus to learning as much as possible about all aspects of working behind the scenes. I sewed crooked hems in skirts, steamed dancers' costumes, designed lights for a one woman show--even built giant walls out of Styrofoam for King Lear."

Today, their responsibilities are well beyond sewing hems and steaming costumes. As Stage Managers for The Dallas Opera, they supervise entire productions. Lisa Marie explains, "All of stage management is responsible for collecting, recording, and disseminating any and all show information to the crews at the theater, including lighting, sound, wigs & make-up orchestra; the front of the house, as well as the Winspear staff." In order to ensure a smooth performance, Lisa Marie and Bethany create for each show what is called a Calling Score. This score contains all the important cues, ranging from the operation of the main curtain to changes in lighting to the entrance of each person on stage. With this book, they truly control key elements of each performance. "I once heard a Stage Manager described as being Mom, Mussolini, and Mr. Goodwrench," muses Bethany. "I think this is an incredibly accurate description."

With each having more than 10 years experience, they've mastered the art of stage management. Not only has their expertise benefited each production, but they've added to the Dallas Opera's reputation for being one of the most efficiently run opera companies in the United States.

During her free time, Bethany feeds her fascination with her lineage by researching her family genealogy. "I am fascinated by the people, pictures and stories of my family's past." Lisa Marie is working on fulfilling her provisional requirements with the Junior League of Dallas. This women's organization is dedicated to promoting volunteerism as an essential part of responsible citizenship.

The spring portion of the season will undoubtedly provide challenges for the production staff at The Dallas Opera. But with the experience and determination of Lisa Marie, Bethany, and the rest of The Dallas Opera Stage Management Team, nothing will stand in the way of success.

"The path to my fixed purpose is laid with iron rails, whereon my soul is grooved to run. Over unsounded gorges, through the rifled hearts of mountains, under torrents' beds, unerringly I rush! Naught's an obstacle, naught's an angle to the iron way!"

--Herman Melville, Moby-Dick