Past Seasons
2023 Summer Season
Die Csárdásfürstin (The Csardas Princess)
This absolute gem of a piece tells the story of Sylva Varescu, a successful cabaret performer who falls in love with a nobleman. Can their love survive the pressures of society? Full of lush melodies, humor, emotion and wit, you’ll see and hear why
Die Csárdásfürstin (The Csardas Princess) remains an enduring hit of the operetta genre.
This production features a completely original English dialogue libretto crafted by Creative Director, Anne Wieben, as well as a brand new chamber orchestra arrangement by our conductor and Musical Director, Marco Real d’Arbelles.
Join us for an evening full of gorgeous music, top-notch performances from local and international opera stars, and a whole lot of fun!
CAST
Sylva Varescu:
Anne Wieben: July 26, 28, August 4
Ariana Strahl: July 29, August 1, 3
Edwin Lippert-Weyersheim:
David Walton: July 28, 29, August 1, 3, 4
Wesley Frye: July 26
Count Boni Káncsiánu:
Justin Spenner: July 26, 28, 29, August 1, 3
Trevor Lemon-Todd: August 4
Countess Stasi:
Melanie Long: all dates
Feri von Kerekes:
Michelle Monroe: all dates
Gräfin Lippert-Weyersheim:
Amy Wolf : all dates
Chorus:
Maggie Burr, Wesley Frye, Anna Maher, Blanka Melbostad, Eryn Tvete, Trevor Lemon-Todd,. Amy Wolf
Musical Director: Marco Real d’Arbelles
Director/Producer/Libretto: Anne Wieben
Rehearsal and pit pianist: Jordan Buchholtz
2022 Summer Season
Die Lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow)
We are thrilled to be bringing Franz Lehar’s operetta masterpiece to life at the Como Lakeside Pavilion on July 26, 27, and 29, 2022!
Not only will this version have an original English dialogue created by founder and creative director Anne Wieben, but it will also be the debut of a brand new chamber orchestra arrangement done by our conductor, Marco Real d’Arbelles. This is going to be a real Minnesota original–
you do not want to miss it!
Join us for an evening full of gorgeous music, top-notch performances from local and international opera stars, and a whole lot of fun.
See you at the pavilion!
CAST:
Hanna Glawari: Anne Wieben
Danilo Danilowitsch: Justin Spenner
Valencienne: Melanie Long
Baroness Zeta: KrisAnne Weiss
Camille de Rosillion: David Walton
Cascada: Alexander Adams-Leytes
St. Brioche: Thore Dosdall
Opera on the Lake Chamber Orchestra lead by
Marco Real d’Arbelles
Assisted by Lindsey Huff
2021 Summer Season
Operetta under the Stars
Featuring:
Anne Wieben, soprano
Alicia O’Neill, soprano
Ariana Strahl, soprano
KrisAnne Weiss, mezzo-soprano
Justin Spenner, baritone
David Walton, tenor
Lindsey Huff Breitschaedel, piano
2019 Summer Season
Die Fledermaus (The Bat)
Music by Johann Strauss | Sung in German with English dialogue
Die Fledermaus (“The Bat”) is Johann Strauss, Jr’s most enduring piece and a staple in the operatic repertoire. With beautiful melodies such as the “Du und Du” Walz and gems like “Adele’s Laughing Song”, it comes as no surprise.
Opera on the Lake is taking the story out of 19th century Vienna and setting it in the here and now. Get ready to dive into a world of pranks, mistaken identities, and colorful characters sung by cast of international and local opera stars.
Cast
Rosalinde: Anne Wieben
Gabriel von Eisenstein: Wesley Frye
Adele: Alicia O’Neill
Prince Orlofksy: KrisAnne Weiss
Falke: John Allen Nelson
Alfred: Laurent Kuehnl
Frank: Alex Adams-Leytes
Dr. Blind: Nicholas Nelson
Ida: Maggie Burr
Musical Director: Marcoantonio Real-d’Arbelles
July 24, 2019 7:00p.m.
July 26, 2019 7:00p.m.
July 27, 2019 7:00p.m.
Como Lakeside Pavilion
1360 Lexington Pkwy N
St. Paul, MN 55103