Here’s some exciting news for lakeside music lovers.
The first-ever live opera performance presented entirely by local talent is coming to the Ribera Center for Culture and Arts (CCAR) auditorium for two shows.
The comic operetta titled “La Maravillosa Idea del Señor Cobalstain,” staged by the Centro Regional de Estudios Musiciales (CREM), is an adaptation of “The Idea,” an early work by English composer Gustav Holst. It will debut Thursday, November 23, 5 p.m., repeating Friday, November 24, 6 p.m.
The program features 50 artists on stage, comprised of the CREM Chamber Orchestra, members of the adult and children’s choir and soloists. Emmanuel Medeles heads the musical direction, with Juan Carlos Villanueva in charge of stage direction.
The plot revolves around the prime minister of an imaginary country who conceives a novel idea for his people to find happiness. However, his suggestions backfire when put into practice, causing discontent and confusion. The kingdom’s subjects rebel and demand a return to the way things were. The prime minister decides never again to have another idea.
Medeles says that the operetta’s short length and humorous storyline make it suitable for children, while adults will easily relate the political themes relevant to modern times.
The CCAR complex is located on the highway in La Floresta. Advance tickets may be obtained at the box office, open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The price of general admission is 280 pesos, discounted to 180 pesos for children, students and teachers.