Stage Director

Actor

The world whirls out of control in the thrilling tale of France’s Joan of Arc, the English warrior Talbot, and the young King Henry VI. Shakespeare’s epic, powerful beginning of the Wars of the Roses is riveting storytelling that never lets up. In this raw, “Bare Bard/Original Practices” production, Orlando Shakes’ actors will perform the play with less than 40 hours of rehearsal, no designers, and no director – just like the acting companies of Shakespeare’s time!

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Henry VI, Part 1: Joan of Arc

Orlando Shakes

Set during the revelries of Mardi Gras and featuring New Orleans Jazz, Zydeco and Delta Blues music, Shakespeare’s non-stop hilarious farce of love, mistaken identity, and two sets of twins separated as babies - gets swept up in the carnival celebrations. Bring your Mardi Gras beads and let the good times roll!

The Comedy of Errors

Don’t miss this dark comedy that Inda Craig-Galovan showcased as part of Orlando Shakes’ PlayFest 2020! Patricia and Gerald are quite proud of the life they’ve built in suburban Matteson, Illinois. They host a welcome-to-the-neighborhood dinner party for their new neighbors, Regina and Corey.

Welcome To Matteson!

Opera Orlando proudly presents a new production of Scott Joplin’s groundbreaking opera, "Treemonisha," set to take the stage at the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater from May 16-18, 2025. This remarkable opera, sung in English with English and Spanish supertitles, offers audiences a unique blend of ragtime, vaudeville, and grand opera, all while delivering a powerful message of enlightenment and progress.

"Treemonisha" tells the story of a young woman who challenges the superstitions and ignorance of her community, leading them towards a future filled with education, opportunity, and prosperity. This production, directed by the acclaimed Roberta Emerson, celebrates black excellence and the pivotal role of Black women in shaping a community's destiny. It is a tribute to the strength, beauty, and wisdom inherent in the African-American experience, particularly during the Reconstruction Era, and is the only opera about this period written by a Black man who lived through it.

The performance will take place in a thrust configuration, allowing seating on three sides of the stage, creating an intimate and engaging experience for the audience. The runtime is approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.

Subscriptions for the Opera Orlando 24/25 Season are now available, with special season launch pricing available until July 4. By subscribing, you can save up to 50% and enjoy a 10% discount on two subscriber add-on productions. This is a unique opportunity to experience a pivotal work in American opera, brought to life by a talented cast and creative team dedicated to honoring Scott Joplin's legacy.

Don't miss this life-affirming journey of family, community, and the transformative power of education and enlightenment. Join us at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for an unforgettable performance of "Treemonisha."

Treemonisha

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Opera Orlando invites you to embark on a life-affirming journey of family and community in a new production of Scott Joplin’s opera Treemonisha.

Roberta Emerson

Stage Director, Actor

Events

Upcoming events

5 - 30 Mar, 2025

Welcome To Matteson! · Orlando Shakes

16 - 18 May, 2025

Treemonisha · Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

16 - 18 May, 2025

Treemonisha · Opera Orlando

Past events

10 - 21 Jan, 2024

Henry VI, Part 1: Joan of Arc · Orlando Shakes

10 - 21 Jan, 2024

Henry VI, Part 1: Joan of Arc · Orlando Shakes

About

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