School of Music, University Theatre collaborate on Mozart opera

LAWRENCE — Featuring music by Mozart and the legendary pursuits and ultimate decline of Don Juan, “Don Giovanni” is widely regarded as the greatest opera ever composed. The KU School of Music and University Theatre partner on this beloved opera featuring the KU Symphony Orchestra. “Don Giovanni” opens Friday, April 21, at the University of Kansas University Theatre.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. April 21, 27 and 29 and 2:30 p.m. April 23 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre at Murphy Hall. The opera will be performed in Italian with English surtitles.

“Don Juan is a legend that continues to appeal to theatre-goers because it presents a person whom we are both drawn to and repulsed by,” said John Stephens, director and music professor. “He is the one we love to hate.”

A great opera combines a compelling story with the best of music. As the audience follows the story of Don Juan through his devious schemes and trail of jilted women, the music has Mozart’s characteristic brightness, wit and beauty – shared with music of unusual darkness and passion.

“Voice students grow a great deal from finding themselves in these great operas,” Stephens said. “Their experiences range from learning how one sustains roles of this magnitude, to delving into the psyche of a character like Giovanni or the emotional workings of his jilted lovers.”

The creative team includes Urs-Michael Theus, guest artist, conductor; Kelly Vogel, visiting assistant theatre professor, costume designer; and Dennis Christilles, associate theatre professor and University Theatre artistic director, scenic and lighting designer.

Tickets for “Don Giovanni” are on sale now at KU ticket offices and online at www.kutheatre.com. Tickets are also available by calling the University Theatre, 785-864-3982, and the Lied Center, (785) 864-ARTS. Tickets are $22 for adults, $21 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff, and $10 for children. KU student tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

The Department of Theatre is one of four departments in the School of the Arts. As part of the KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the School of the Arts offers fresh possibilities for collaboration between the arts and the humanities, sciences, social sciences, international and interdisciplinary studies.

For more information on the Department of Theatre visit www.theatre.ku.edu. For more information on the University Theatre, visit www.KUTheatre.com. Follow KU Theatre on Twitter and Facebook.