Brava! Three cheers to the entire cast and crew of Central City Opera.
Returning for its 93rd season, The Central City Opera Festival has been a fantastic showcase of raw talent, storytelling and atmosphere. Throughout the season, which goes from late June and concludes August 3, the ensemble puts on multiple weekly shows. This year, the audience can pick from three classic productions — the bright and fun Once Upon a Mattress, the gripping military drama The Knock and the energetic romantic comedy The Barber of Seville. Held annually at the iconic Central City Opera House, the festival features the three main shows and is supported by performances and activities happening in nearby venues. While fans might be cutting it close, there is still time to plan a visit and experience the artistry and hard work the Central City Opera has brought to the stage this season.
The three main stage productions unfold throughout the weekend, with rotating matinee and evening showings. In between, guests are encouraged to explore nearby venues for additional performances, some even impromptu. One of the most charming traditions is the Après Opera, held next door at the Teller House’s Face Bar, where cast members join the audience for an intimate afternoon of short opera sets, light bites and beverages. The room buzzes with excitement as attendees gather, and the century-old walls come alive with song, laughter and dance. Roaming the Teller House feels like stepping into another era. Its well-maintained corridors are adorned with opera memorabilia, gilded mirrors, antique chandeliers, ornate ceilings and historic sculptures. The atmosphere is rich with history, and the sound of live opera only enhances the experience. As the final notes of the Après Opera drift away, the crowd gradually fades back into the old city, ready to begin a new morning of festivities.
The Short Works production, held at the historic Williams Stables, is a must. This building has hosted performances dating back to the 1930s and continues to be an integral part of Central City Opera’s legacy. The Short Works performance lasts about 30 minutes and offers an intimate, emotionally charged experience. With the singers performing in proximity to the audience, the connection feels immediate and powerful. Many of the main stage productions include complimentary pre-show talks, offering valuable insight into the creative process spanning from early pre-production concepts to the final staged performance.
Once Upon a Mattress is a fun and bright comedy that retells the classic fairy tale The Princess and the Pea, originally published in 1835. In this opera adaptation, a kingdom under a queen’s strict rule is upended when an unconventional princess arrives to compete for the prince’s hand. Here, she faces a quirky and exaggerated “pea under the mattress” test to prove her royal worth.
This production nails it from the vibrant set design, to the dynamic orchestra ensemble and the incredibly powerful cast that brings the story to life on stage. The show is charming, with catchy musical numbers and easy-to-follow lyrics presented on screens inside the theatre. The use of stage space is clever, supporting scenery elements that capture the fantastic medieval setting of the comedy. The ensemble delivers an in-sync and fluid performance while impressing the audience with their vocal range.
The Knock is a distressing story about the tragedies associated with the responsibilities and burdens of a military spouse. The one-act opera follows a group of women waiting at home for news of their husbands deployed overseas, only to face the unbearable moment when military officers deliver the dreaded knock at the door. Originally produced as a short film during the pandemic, the story’s cinematic origins are evident in its pacing and emotional atmosphere.
The performance is delivered with a deep movie-like sensibility. The lighting, the melancholy music combined with somber voices, and tension-building moments felt like scenes straight from a psychological drama or even a horror film. A relatable cast of everyday people is brought to life through hauntingly beautiful melodies. You could see the tissues trapping fallen tears from across the audience as the performance, from the orchestra to the singers, was moving and expressively passionate. Brava!
The Barber of Seville, a lighthearted romantic comedy originally composed in the early 19th century, finds new life on the Central City Opera stage. The story follows the clever barber Figaro as he schemes to help Count Almaviva win the heart of the beautiful Rosina.
The music is energetic, and the engagement from the singers is unmatched. This show is easily the most sought-after production, and it delivered on all expectations. The costumes, lighting and set design are modernized just enough to connect with a 21st-century audience while honoring the opera’s origins. It’s the weekend’s most fun performance and not one to miss.
The Central City Opera Festival is an exquisite summer event that welcomes all. AJ, the Patron Services Manager at the Teller House was clear about how passionate they are about diversity, equality and inclusion. AJ emphasized that accessibility is at the core of the opera’s mission. A highlight of the weekend was a backstage magic discussion hosted by Emily, Director of Productions, and Dave, Stage Manager, who shared abundant insight into the blueprint-to-stage process that brings these operas to life.
Getting there is easier than you might think. The Opera Bus service offers transportation from select locations in the Denver Metro straight to the doorstep of the Central City Opera Festival. A separate ticket is required and can be purchased when booking your showtime.
If you are a performing arts enthusiast, the Central City Opera is a must. Stay tuned as there are more opera festivities on the horizon for the fall and winter seasons.
See you at the opera, Denver.