On September 29, our beloved Washington Nationals will be in Miami, carrying the hearts of every true Washingtonian with them as they nail down the Eastern Division title. For the rest of our bodies, there will be the fifth annual Opera in the Outfield: a simulcast of the Washington National Opera’s performance of Don Giovanni on the Nationals’ 4811-square foot HD video board.
Admission will be free.
Don Giovanni is Mozart’s opera about a lothario who has seduced thousands of women but who comes to an accounting, as his victims have prepared a stunning revenge for him. Conducted by WNO Music Director Philippe Auguin and directed by John Pascoe, the cast includes Meagan Miller, Barbara Frittoli, Juan Francisco Gatell, Andrew Foster-Williams, Veronica Cangemi, Aleksey Bogdanov, and D.C. native Soloman Howard. Ildar Abdrazakov plays the title role.
Although the simulcast will begin, rain or shine, at 7 p.m., WNO and its co-sponsors M&M’s Milk Chocolate Candies and American Heritage Chocolates have arranged a two-hour suite of entertainments for early arrivals, including stage-fighting demonstrations by Don Giovanni fight master Robb Hunter, flamenco-dancing performances by Furia Flamenca, led by Estella Velez de Paredez.
Opera in the Outfield: Don Giovanni
presented by Washington National Opera
Sat, Sept 29 at 7pm
Gates open at 5pm
Free.
Details and registration
Tickets
The Kennedy Center’s MyTix program and the online magazine Brightest Young Things have co-sponsored a 5 p.m. party in the ballpark’s Stars and Stripes Club. This party, which they have tagged “The Fly Ball”, features a DJ, concessions, a ballpark photo booth, and seating for the broadcast. The sponsors recommend The Fly Ball for guests between the ages of eighteen and thirty.
We elderly folks, as an alternative, may be interested in a meet-and-greet with M&M’s Chief Chocolate Officer, Miss Brown, and a screening of the famed Bugs Bunny cartoon, “What’s Opera, Doc,” starring, well, Bugs Bunny.
The evening will have drawings throughout, and prizes include a VIP suite in next year’s Opera in the Outfield, tickets to Kennedy Center events, and a year’s supply of M&Ms. Those who register in advance by clicking here are also eligible for a Night at the Kennedy Center, including drinks, dinner, and premium tickets to the opening night of WNO’s Show Boat. (Pre-registration is not required for the September 29 Opera in the Outfield.)
Show Boat, incidentally, coincides with the next Opera in the Outfield, scheduled for some time in May. The benefits to next spring’s Opera in the Outfield may include, in addition to all of the foregoing, a viewing of Major League Baseball’s Commissioner’s Trophy.
Actually, the Nats will be visiting the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals that weekend. But wherever, the Nationals’ ownership is once again graciously throwing open its gates to bring DC-area residents a great and free event. I’ve attended (and reviewed) the last three and can attest to the quality of the shows: pretty good sound, outstanding visuals in Jumbotron HD, and a relaxing environment. While you may not hear as well as a concert hall, you’ll probably see much better (especially if you sit where I do). And the selected show is always a crowd-pleaser – The Don being one of greatest; last year’s WNO production of Tosca was, in fact, just chosen by your readers as favorite opera. Opera and Baseball a natural pairing in a casual setting! Hopefully, that night will offer pleasurable highlights of the real season to follow for both organizations.