The Florentine Opera Company is kicking off its 2018-19 season with Prince of Players by American composer Carlisle Floyd, October 12 & 14, 2018 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. This will be the Midwest premiere of Floyd's latest opera. The Florentine's production will also be recorded for international release.

While Prince of Players is a modern opera, it is set in historical Restoration-era London and features a plot line that will feel familiar to many people. In fact, the opera is based on the Jeffrey Hatcher play Compleat Female Stage Beauty, which was adapted into the 2004 film Stage Beauty, starring Claire Danes and Billy Crudup.

Prince of Players follows the story of Edward Kynaston, the last great male actor to perform female roles, specifically in the plays of William Shakespeare. After a king's edict forbids men from playing female characters, and allows women to perform on stage, Edward must find a way to transform his career and identity. At the same time, his dresser Margaret Hughes takes advantage of her opportunity to become a star.

National and local sponsors have come together to make this Florentine project possible, including leading production and recording sponsors Jan Serr and John Shannon and major recording support from An OPERA America Innovation Grant, generously funded by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation; The National Endowment for the Arts; George and Angela Jacobi; and Lloyd Gerlach.

Tickets range in price from $30 - $120 and can be purchased through the Florentine Opera Box Office at (414) 291-5700 ext. 224 or www.florentineopera.org. Tickets can also be purchased through the Marcus Center Box Office, in person at 929 N. Water Street or by calling 414-273-7206.

Photo Credit: Lynn Lane.

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