The singers from the University of Houston’s Moores Opera Center are taking a brief detour from their usual repertoire. On Sept. 23, they will transplant their talents from the opera house to one of Houston’s most popular nightclubs for an evening of Broadway hits.
Each year, the Moores Opera Center presents the fun fundraiser “What’s Opera, Duck?” in Houston hotspot McGonigel’s Mucky Duck (2425 Norfolk St.). The event not only raises funds for UH’s Moores Opera Center, it offers Houstonians an intimate musical experience with some of the city’s most talented singers. This year’s event kicks off at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 23.
“It’s a casual and entertaining showcase of popular material and a way to hear some great singing in a fun and intimate venue,” said Moores Opera Center director Buck Ross, who will serve as master of ceremonies. “It’s also a chance to get a look at our new crop of performers that you will see in roles throughout our season.”
The 2014 edition of “What’s Opera, Duck?” will offer a departure from previous events, as singers will mainly focus on popular show tunes. Featured singers and selections include:
- Sydney Anderson – “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man” from “Showboat”
- Austin Hoeltzel – “Something’s Coming” from “West Side Story”
- Heath Martin and Page Madison – “The Song That Goes Like This” from “Spamalot”
- Whitney Robinson – “I Can Hear the Bells” from “Hairspray”
- Benjamin Williams – “On The Street Where You Live” from “My Fair Lady”
Also, Catherine Goode will offer a preview of the Moores Opera Center’s first production of the 2014 – 15 season with a rendition of “Oympia’s Aria” from “The Tales of Hoffmann.”
Tickets are $22 at the door and $20 in advance. They can be purchased through the Mucky Duck’s website.
The Moores Opera Center’s performance season begins with Jacques Offenbach’s “The Tales of Hoffmann” (Oct. 24 – 27). Its spring repertoire includes Gaetano Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love” (Jan. 29 – Feb. 2), and the Houston premieres of Thomas Pasatieri’s “Frau Margot” (Jan. 30, Feb. 1) and Daniel Catán’s “Rappaccini’s Daughter” (April 10 – 13). All performances are in the Moores Opera House at UH.
To learn more about the Moores Opera Center or to purchase tickets to upcoming performances, visit its website.