Given the Fort Worth Opera determined to mount and broadcast the sensational debut of Mr. Michael Fabiano as Nemorino (which will come to be known as “The Fort Worth L’Elisir”), COMMANDOpera is obliged to advise readers of the 2011 season. In speaking with the company, COMMANDOpera came to understand the company looks to aspiring American talent to headline their productions. In this regard, COMMANDOpera appreciates this wise thinking as they are first to offer valuable rising stars similar to what the New York City Opera became known for standing shoulder to shoulder with the Metropolitan at times. The 2011 season is going to be quite something to see once again; Countertenor Mr. Randall Scotting will correctly portray Julius Caesar, Miss Marjorie Owens, Mr. Dongwon Shin (AVA alumni), Miss Meredith Arwady, and Male Soprano Mr. Michael Maniaci, will correctly sing Sextus.

THE MIKADO
Music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert. May 14, 22, 27 and June 4, 2011 at Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth. In English.
The Mikado, a comedy, contains some of the best-known and popular Gilbert and Sullivan tunes. The story centers around two young lovers struggling against the powers that be to become husband and wife. Fort Worth Opera’s version will be true to the original, but with a fun twist of setting it in modern-day Japan.
Director: John de los Santos Conductor: Joe Illick Primary Cast: Jessica Cates as Yum-Yum; Meaghan Deiter as Katisha; Logan Rucker as Nanki-Poo; and Matthew Young as Mikado.

IL TROVATORE
Music by Giuseppe Verdi and libretto by Salvatore Cammarano. May 21, 29 and June 3, 2011 at Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth. In Italian with projected English translations.
Classic, larger-then-life, Verdi with traditional sets and costumes. The story is a rich labyrinth of gypsy mothers, revenge, warring rivals (who are brothers, but don’t know it) and love.
Director: David Lefkowich Conductor: Joe Illick Primary Cast: Marjorie Owens as Leonora; Victoria Livengood as Azucena; Dongwon Shin as Manrico; and Malcolm MacKenzie as Count di Luna.

JULIUS CAESER
Music by George Frideric Handel and libretto by Nicola Francesco Haym. May 28 and June 5, 2011 at Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth. In Italian with projected English translations.
Classic production, except that the Fort Worth Opera production will feature two male counter-tenors and a male soprano to sing the roles Handel originally wrote for castrati. In modern, post-castrati times, these roles are typically
sung by women. The story centers around the Egyptian-Roman war and the romance between Julius Caesar and Cleopatra.
Director: David Gately Conductor: Daniel Beckwith Primary Cast: Randall Scotting as Julius Caesar; Ava Pine as Cleopatra; Meredith Arwady as Cornelia; and Michael Maniaci as Sextus.

HYDROGEN JUKEBOX
Music by Philip Glass and poetry by Allen Ginsberg. May 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, June 1, 2, 4 and 5, 2011 at the Sanders Theatre, Fort Worth Community Arts Center. In English.
Described as a “chamber opera for ensemble and soloists,” Hydrogen Jukebox is unlike any opera most people have seen. Based on the work “Howl” by Beat poet Allen Ginsberg, this music/theater piece is a portrait of America that covers 1950′s through the 1980′s. Its content ranges from highly personal poems of Ginsberg to his reflection on social issues: the anti-war movement, the sexual revolution, drugs, eastern philosophy, and environmental awareness.
Director: Lawrence Edelson Conductor: Steven R. Osgood. The artists appearing have not been announced at this time.

COMMANDOpera could offer excerpts of many of the artists, given their respective brilliance, however Dongwon Shin who will essay Manrico appears for readers delectation. Further, COMMANDOpera declares the Fort Worth season a MUST do, if you are anywhere near the area.