YA at the Opera: Verdi’s Falstaff

Today, I’m really excited to kick off a new feature to mark a loose partnership with Portland Opera. I know opera isn’t “cool” these days, but it’s actually a really beautiful art form and one worth sharing — especially with young audiences, like … you know … readers of YA lit.

When I was a teen, I was actually part of a teen opera company that performed scenes and shortened versions of operas in English for other teens. It was a great way to expose young audiences to this art form.

I’m now working with the folks at Portland Opera to find new ways of reaching a younger audience — and as part of my work there, I’m kicking off a new twist to the old “If you like … then try,” concept by applying YA lit (and other YA-related media) to opera.

This week, Portland Opera kicks off its performances of Falstaff, based on William Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor:

Sir John Falstaff attempts to woo two married women, hoping to improve his financial situation (and, as a bonus, his love life). Unfortunately, things don’t go quite as he planned: he’s thwarted by the merry wives of Windsor at every turn! But whether he’s berated by forest demons or thrown into the Thames, Falstaff retains his sense of humor — and his joie de vivre — to the very end!
One of Verdi’s only comedies, his final masterpiece is often called the finest operatic comedy ever written. Based on scenes from Shakespeare’s Henry IV and The Merry Wives of Windsor, the opera’s clever libretto and brilliant orchestration will have you rolling in the aisles!

Not sure this one is for you? Consider this:

Think you might like to give Falstaff a try? Live in the Portland area? Here is an exclusive discount code you can use for tickets to an upcoming performance: