Not much theater as summer gets rolling locally, but it is time for Cincinnati Opera, which opened its 91st season on Thursday with a production of Verdi's Rigoletto. It's a tragic story about a foolish father who tries to protect his daughter by hiding her away from the world, leading to her death. —-
Rigoletto, the jester, is played powerfully by Stephen Powell, while the role of the vile Duke, who loves them and leaves them, is taken on by Rod Dixon, his first time in this role. But most memorable of all is Sarah Coburn as Gilda, Rigoletto's ill-fated young daughter: She sings difficult arias effortlessly and is a convincing actress to booth. Read Anne Arenstein's preview piece, including interviews with Powell and Coburn (pictured), here. The pair are also interviewed in the below video preview from the Opera.
There's one more performance, Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available; call 513-241-2742 or visit the Opera's site here.
