West End Cinema Extends Saturday Opera Encore Screenings in Washington DC
West End was already presenting Opera In Cinema on Monday nights with broadcasts from some of the world's best opera companies including the Royal Opera House and La Scala. But those screenings sell out quickly. Now, they're going to show encore screenings of every performance the following Saturday at 10:00 a.m. thanks to a vote taken at the first encore showing of "La Traviata." Washington National Opera even gave everyone a free CD with extended commentary on the opus (that's singular for opera).
The theater is small but the sound system is fabulous. Watching the performance up close to the screen even gives you a chance to observe the acting more. I don't know what it all means but the Saturday morning crowd is mostly middle aged and elderly women. As an older woman myself, I know I hate staying up late so maybe we all prefer to do stuff in the morning when we're awake. I'm sure young people and men are equally welcome.
The owner said he has desperately tried to get the nearby parking lot to open on Saturdays but for now they're closed until 5:00 pm. So, get there early if you need to find on the street parking. The screenings pause for the full intermission break so you have about 10 to 15 minutes to go feed the meter for 2 hour parking.
The full schedule for the Opera in Cinema series is posted on the West End Cinema website. Upcoming shows include:
Cosi Fan Tutti: first broadcast Feburary 14 (Monday) at 7:00pm, recorded live at the Royal Opera House in London.
Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci: February 21st, Teatro alla Scala.
Aida: February 28, Zeffirelli version, La Scala.
Rigoletto: March 7, Mantua with Simon Boccanegra and Placido Domingo.
Tosca: March 14, Teatro Carlo Felice with real-life couple Daniela Dessi and Fabio Armiliato.
Il Trittico: March 21, three one-act operas, Teatro alla Scala.
West End Cinema is located at 23rd Street NW, Washington DC. If you buy the $20 tickets at the box office or by phone (202 419-FILM) you can even avoid the 10% service charge. Tickets can be purchased in advance for any of the Opera in Cinema screenings including the Saturday opera encore screenings.
Published by Anne Wright
Freelance writer and longtime student of Buddhism and nonprofit professional. As an AC Featured Arts & Entertainment Contributor, she draws on her experience in development and managerial positions with n... View profile
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4 Comments
Post a CommentIt is great to see this program getting some buzz. Kudos to West End Cinema for offering encores and thank you for the info on parking and ticket serice charges.
The March 7 / March 12 performance is the opera Rigoletto shot "on location" in Mantua with famous tenor Placido Domingo tackling his second baritone role as the jester.(Domingo's only other baritone role was in another Verdi opera, Simon Boccanegra.)
Shameless plug. If you want to know about other opera events in the DC area please check out the comprehensive events calendar at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Opera-in-and-around-Washington-DC/158431194203241
I doubt I'll ever go back to DC, but this would be something to keep in mind if I do.
Always wanted to see "La Travita!"
I'd enjoy this...sounds great.