Opera
FGCU Opera Theater
The FGCU Opera Theater, directed by Dr. Jeanie Darnell, presents productions of operas, opera scenes and/or musical theater scenes typically in the spring semester of the academic year. The productions may be accompanied by piano or orchestral ensembles. The productions are performed in the Bower School or Music, and/or an off-campus venue(s) to be determined. Auditions take place in the fall semester and most roles are double cast. Participating student music majors and minors who are selected by audition register for Opera/Musical Theater Workshop, MUO 3503, for 1 credit. The class meets Mondays, 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Fridays 2:30-4:30 p.m., and additional rehearsals are required for the production week.
Opera/Musical Theater Workshop students musically coach roles, and study techniques acting and stage movement to include dance, while gaining a deeper historical understanding of the repertoire and stylistic nuances. Students learn how to initiate characterization of roles and to better communicate with audiences.
In Fall 2021, the FGCU Opera Theater in combination with Opera Naples presented Engelbert Humperdinck’s three act children’s opera in English translation, Hansel and Gretel, stage directed by Dr. Jeanie Darnell, and musically directed by Ms. Robin Shuford Frank of Opera Naples. A second collaboration with Opera Naples was scheduled in Fall 2022 of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s one-act operas in English translation, The impresario and Bastien and Bastienna, cancelled due to Hurricane Ian. FGCU will partner again with Opera Naples once their Wang Center has been restored, and with other community arts organizations, such as Theatre Zone (Naples), to present staged productions during the fall semesters.
Refuge: The Love Story of Ruth will be the 2025 Opera Workshop performance on March 22 at 7:30 p.m. & March 23 at 3:00 p.m. in the U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU Campus. This production can also be seen at the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd., Ft. Myers on Saturday, March 29 at 3:00 & 7:00 p.m. Tickets for those performances will be sold through Shell Point and information about ticketing will be available at a later date.
