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 GlawariAnne Wieben
Danilo Danilowitsch: Justin Spenner
ValencienneMelanie 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

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