Ohio Light Opera facts for kids
The Ohio Light Opera is a special group of performers in Wooster, Ohio. They put on many different kinds of musical shows. These shows include light opera, which is like a fun, lighter version of opera. They also perform operettas and other musical theatre works. Many of these shows are from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The company is also well-known for making recordings of their performances.
About the Ohio Light Opera
The Ohio Light Opera started in 1979 at the College of Wooster. It was created to be a place for culture and learning. The College of Wooster has owned and run the company ever since it began. The idea for this group came from the Kent State Light Opera. That group was started by James Stuart. When the Kent group finished, it moved to Wooster, and James Stuart continued to guide it.
The company performs all the works by Gilbert and Sullivan. They also perform many operettas from America, Britain, and other countries. Some of these shows are rarely seen today. They also put on Edwardian musical comedies and other musical plays. Most of these shows are from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For young, talented singers and musicians, the company offers a chance to perform in a professional setting. This helps them gain experience.
In 2008, the Ohio Light Opera celebrated its 30th season. That year, they put on their 100th different show! Their performing season usually begins in mid-June and ends in mid-August. During this nine-week season, they typically perform seven or eight different shows. About 22,000 people come to watch their shows each year. All performances happen at the Freedlander Theatre. This theater is on the College of Wooster's campus in Wooster, Ohio.
Recordings and DVDs
The Ohio Light Opera has made many recordings of their shows. These are usually recorded live during a performance. They have recorded eight shows by Gilbert and Sullivan. They have also recorded famous American operettas. These include Naughty Marietta, Eileen, Sweethearts, and The Red Mill by Victor Herbert. They also recorded El Capitan by John Philip Sousa.
The company has also recorded English versions of operettas by Emmerich Kálmán. These include Autumn Maneuvers and Countess Maritza. They have also recorded works by Rudolf Friml, like The Vagabond King. Many of their recordings are the first time these shows have been available on CD. Reviewers have said that these recordings are very valuable. This is especially true for the less-known shows they record.
In 2004, the company released a special 4-CD set. It was called Gold and Silver: Celebrating 25 Years of The Ohio Light Opera. This set included highlights from their first 25 years. It also came with a booklet that told the company's history.
The Ohio Light Opera has also released DVDs of some of their shows. These include their 2005 production of A Soldier's Promise. This was an English version of Der gute Kamerad by Emmerich Kálmán. They also released a DVD of their 2009 production of Herbert's Mlle. Modiste.
