Lyric Opera of Kansas City Presents THE MIKADO, 4/20

By: Oct. 11, 2012
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The Lyric Opera of Kansas City today announced new casting information for its upcoming production of The Mikado, which will open April 20, 2013 in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for the Company's second season at the Kauffman Center are on sale now.

"The Company's commitment to continue our artistic growth is evident in the casting we are announcing today," stated Deborah Sandler, the Company General Director and CEO. "I am thrilled that operatic superstar Denyce Graves will join the cast of The Mikado, singing the role of Katisha. Additionally, Dale Travis, one of the most sought after bass-baritones in opera today, will sing the title role."

"Casting these two remarkable voices is an artistic coup," exclaimed Ward Holmquist, Lyric Opera Artistic Director. "Dale Travis is highly regarded for his comedic roles, and his talent will fortify an already talented cast. Denyce Graves is making her debut with our Company, and I am thrilled to be able to welcome an artist of this renown to work in our community."

"In addition to singing with our Company on the Kauffman Center stage, Ms. Graves also will help us extend our reach into the community," noted Ms. Sandler. Ms. Graves will lead a master class for Lyric Opera Apprentice Artists from the University of Kansas and University of Missouri – Kansas City. Members of the Ginger Frost High School Honors Artist Program and the UMKC Musical Bridges program also will participate.

Mezzo soprano Denyce Graves has been called "an operatic superstar" by USA Today. Ms. Graves' signature portrayal of the title roles in Carmen and Samson et Dalila has been seen at The Metropolitan Opera; Royal Opera, Covent Garden; San Francisco Opera; Lyric Opera of Chicago; Opera National de Paris, and many others. Ms. Graves has sung at The White House on numerous occasions and has been the recipient of many awards, including the Grand Prix du Concours International de Chant de Paris. The Mikado marks her debut with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

Dale Travis, bass-baritone, also makes his Lyric Opera debut in The Mikado. Mr. Travis has sung more than 50 roles during his 25-year career, which has seen him sing for such opera companies as the Santa Fe Opera, San Francisco Opera, The Metropolitan Opera, and Washington National Opera in the United States, and the Teatro Regio in Torino, Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa, and the Berlin Komische Oper, among others.



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