Want Some Popcorn With That Aria? *** Metropolitan Opera Performance to Be Broadcast Live in Local Theater

Local opera lovers will be able to experience a real-time performance from the Metropolitan Opera on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 12:30 p.m. at the United Artists Citiplace 11. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for children.

Tan Dun’s The First Emperor is being presented via satellite in high-definition and surround sound. Satellite and digital technology make events such the Metropolitan Opera Live In HD series possible. National CineMedia’s Digital Content Network is the largest in- theater digital distribution network in North America. Nearly 100 United States theaters are featuring the Met series.

The company screened Mozart’s The Magic Flute, its first opera presentation, Dec. 30. The series continues Jan. 13 with The First Emperor, Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin on Feb. 24, Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia on March 24 and Puccini’s Il Trittico on April 28.

The Met opera series is National CineMedia’s first venture into opera. The company previously presented rock concerts, film-related events, comedy and sports.

The First Emperor had its world premiere at the Met on Dec. 21. It’s an historical portrayal of the visionary, cruel leader who unified China and built the Great Wall. The opera combines the lyricism of Western opera with the percussive and ritualistic elements of Eastern tradition.

Placido Domingo stars as the emperor who unifies China and betrays those he loves most. Elizabeth Futral and Sarah Coburn play the emperor’s daughter, Princess Yueyang. Paul Groves co-stars as the emperor’s childhood friend, Gao Jianli.

Opera fans can visit http://www.metoperafamily.org /hdlive for more information on all participating theatre locations and tickets. Tickets are also available at the Citiplace box office.

The Fun Staff

The First Emperor

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 13, 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: United Artists Citiplace 11

ADMISSION: $18 for adults, $15 for children

TICKETS AND INFORMATION: http://www.metoperafamily.org/hdlive,

http://www.uatc.com or (225) 216-0056

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