Hot Spanish Nights
The Anchorage Opera's current production of "Hot Spanish Nights" is not what one would expect of an evening at the opera. Playing through the Weekend (March 27- 29), it is a good introduction to opera for a first time opera audience. Think of it as "Opera Light."
The first act is not opera at all, in fact, but rather a sampling of some of the other artistic talents and arts from Spain. The evening begins with a flash of fingers and feet as a talented guitarist and passionate Flamenco dancer work some magic together. While they take a breather, the audience gets a taste of Spanish piano composition and solo guitar and then back to some more Flamengo. You cannot stop yourself from trying to watch the guitarists fingers and the dancers feet as they become a blur due to the sheer speed...
After a brief intermission, the "real" opera begins. The name of the Zarzuela, Spanish opera, (in English) is "The Tavern Girl of the Port." It is the truncated version, narrated by the engaging conductor. An opera on fast forward.... skipping to the best parts.
So, if you need a little culture in your life, or you have a date to impress, try a touch of opera this weekend. Hot Spanish Nights is playing at the Performing Arts Center in the Discover Theatre.
