Swiping Right: Opera in the Age of Online Dating
A Variations Series Production
What does it mean to look for love in the modern age? Swipe, match, date, doubt, and hope―this collection of short comic operas explores every step of the journey. From carefully crafted dating profiles and online temptation to the comic chaos of speed dating and the anticipation of meeting someone face-to-face, these works by some of America’s most exciting contemporary composers prove that opera has plenty to say about finding connection in the twenty-first century.
Tickets to this production go on sale on Saturday, August 1st.
Norfolk
Friday, October 2 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 4 @ 2:30 PM
Richmond
Saturday, October 10 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 11 @ 2:30 PM
The Program
Dinner 4 3
Libretto by Deborah Brevoort
Music by Michael Ching
A wealthy businessman. His unfulfilled trophy wife. Two secret dates arranged on the same night, with the same idea in mind. Dinner 4 3 follows a marriage gone stale, as husband and wife each turn to internet dating in search of something missing at home. What unfolds is fast, funny, and just a little wicked — a marriage secret gets exposed, and infidelity gives way to an unexpected reckoning.
Speed Dating Tonight!
Music and Words by Michael Ching
Based on a concept by Dean Anthony
The lights are dim, the bar is buzzing, and the nametags are on. Welcome to speed dating night—where a bartender, a server, a dating coordinator, and a busboy set the stage for a parade of hopeful, nervous, and downright hilarious daters, each getting their own musical moment to make a case for love.
Extraordinary
Music by Robert Paterson
Lyrics & Libretto by David Cote
By arrangement with Bill Holab Music
A park at dusk. Brian and Angela have found each other online, and after months of messages, missed connections, and growing anticipation, they’re finally meeting face-to-face. As they navigate the excitement, uncertainty, and vulnerability of a first meeting, they discover that even a simple goodbye kiss can become a moment worth savoring.
Additional Musical Selections
“A Regular Woman” from In Real Life I
“Ain’t No Frog” from In Real Life II
Music by Robert Paterson
Lyrics & Libretto by David Cote
By arrangement with Bill Holab Music
“Toothbrush Time” by William Bolcom
Copyright 1985 Edward B. Marks Music Company
Used by permission. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright secured.
“The Other Other Woman” from Songs from an Unmade Bed
Music by Jake Heggie
Lyrics by Mark Campbell
By arrangement with Bill Holab Music
The Cast
Maggie Kinabrew, soprano
Melanie Dubil, mezzo-soprano
Douglas Culclasure, tenor
Joel Clemens, baritone
