The Shows
Die Fledermaus, May 24—June 28
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Billed as the “costume party of the century,” Die Fledermaus kicks off the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ 50th season with Champagne toasts and classic comedy. The Johann Strauss II opera is also the festival’s Pride Night production. Grab Pride Night tickets for the June 4 performance to enjoy an open bar before the show and a post-show dance party.
This House, May 31—June 29
This House is a brand-new opera featuring a libretto by Ruby Aiyo Gerber and her mother, Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Lynn Nottage. The story of the Walkers, their Harlem brownstone, and the century-long family history that dwells there alongside them will premiere as the second main-stage performance in OTSL’s 50th festival season.
Don Pasquale, June 8–27
Domineering father Don Pasquale learns a valuable lesson courtesy of one of opera’s fiery heroines in this Gaetano Donizetti–penned comedy. This opera buffa includes favorite tropes such as forbidden love, a fake marriage, and a satisfying comeuppance.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, June 14–28
Former St. Louis Symphony Orchestra maestro Leonard Slatkin returns to the orchestra pit to conduct Benjamin Britten’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The magical tale is sure to be a crowd favorite.
Center Stage, June 24
For one night only each season, the talented voices of Opera Theatre’s Richard Gaddes Festival Artist and Gerdine Young Artist Programs step into the spotlight to perform both opera standards and rarely heard favorites. Catch these rising stars as they take on memorable pieces from several operas in their original languages.
The Venue
Each summer, the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis takes over Webster University’s Loretto-Hilton Center (130 Edgar) and the David W. Mester Festival Gardens, raising their green and white tent over the grass and welcoming audiences into the theater’s nearly 1000 seats.
Audiences gather before and after the show in the gardens for pre-show picnicking and post-show champagne toasts, so be mindful of walking on the grass if you’re choosing heels to go with that night out look.
Inside, seats are divided into five sections and priced based on location. A full seat map of the theater is available online.
FAQs
What should I wear?
Up to you, says OTSL general director Andrew Jorgensen. “If you want to dress up, great. If you want to dress more casually, that’s great, too,” he says. In our experience, most folks lean toward a garden party-esque dress code. And don’t forget to dress for the weather if you plan to spend some time out in the garden before or after the show.
What if I’ve never seen an opera before?
That’s fine, and you won’t be alone. OTSL is always welcoming first-time visitors. “If you like theater, if you like music, if you like moving artistic experiences, you might love opera,” he says. This season is full of accessible stories for first-timers, featuring familiar characters, tunes, and stories from history.
Will I be able to understand what’s happening?
In an effort to make opera as accessible as possible, OTSL performs all its productions (minus some of the Center Stage selections, which are all performed in their original language) in English. There are also English supertitles projected above the stage for those with hearing difficulties—or who just prefer captions on at all times.
Are there accessibility services at the theater?
Yes, there are. OTSL provides accessible seating, curb-to-seat service for patrons requiring mobility assistance, large print and Braille programs, assistive listening devices, and select audio-described, ASL-interpreted, and sensory-conscious performances. For a full list of services and contact information for questions, visit opera-stl.org.
Pro Tips
Don’t miss out on the pre- and post-show events.
Spending time in the garden before and after the show is essential. “Come and enjoy the whole Opera Theatre experience,” advises Jorgensen. “It’s that pre-show experience with friends and other opera attendees and that post-show experience of coming up to that tent and toasting and meeting the singers. Just take the whole thing in.”
Whether you order from OTSL’s catering menu, provided by Ces & Judy’s Catering, or bring your own, picnicking in the garden before the performance is a fun way to mingle with other guests and enjoy some time outdoors before settling in for the show. If you intend to enjoy a provided picnic, be sure to get your order in by 4 p.m. the day before your performance.
See a show for free with Phyllis’ Seats.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis offers tickets at several price points, but if you’re looking to score some free seats, set your alarm for Mondays at 10:30 a.m., when Phyllis’ Seats are released. Named in honor of opera patron Phyllis Brissenden, the program offers 50 seats per performance free of charge via a lottery system. OTSL even offers reminder emails for the weekly ticket drop.
Make a (Young Friends) night of it.
For those under age 45, OTSL’s Young Friends Nights are a great way to experience all that the opera has to offer and learn a bit along the way. Tickets start at $59 and include an exclusive pre-show buffet and open bar in the Young Friends tent, where an OTSL staff member will offer an introduction and behind-the-scenes info about the show. Find a full list of Young Friends Nights online.
