Oswego Opera Theater is Presenting Two Comic Operas for the Price of One!

Oswego Opera Theater is presenting two operas for the price of one! Consider yourself summoned to attend these comic operettas – Trial by Jury by Gilbert and Sullivan and Cox and Box by Burnand and Sullivan -brought to you by the returning artistic director from the Bronx Opera, Ben Spierman, and two new directors, Amanda Li and Ben May from SUNY Oswego’s Music Department! Moreover, since the setting for both is a courtroom, to get everyone in the mood for these hilarious operettas, the performances will be held, not in a traditional theater, but at an actual courtroom in the Oswego County Courthouse, 25 East Oneida Street in Oswego. The performances will be held on Friday, November 1st at 7:30 p.m., on Saturday, November 2nd at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, November 3rd at 2:00 p.m.

Trial by Jury is a delightfully ludicrous one-act opera dealing with a lawsuit over a broken engagement. Edwin, the defendant, has fallen in love with another woman and has jilted his fiancée, Angelina, who sues him for “breach of promise of marriage.” Cox and Box, another one-act comic opera, is about a chance meeting of two men who discover they were fated to marry the same undesirable woman. Mr. Box was able to avoid his fate by faking his own suicide. Mr. Cox, on the other hand, threatens to expose Mr. Box’s suicide ruse. There is much humor in both operas.

Reaching out to both friends and potential audience members, Oswego Opera Theater continues its well-established mission to enrich the Central New York community by presenting high quality operatic and musical performances that nurture the next generation of opera goers, opera singers, musicians, and others as the company (founded in 1979) has done for over 40 years. Community support encourages the company to showcase the talents of professional performers, emerging performers, and local and student artists. Ticket prices are reasonable, making opera accessible to everyone.

Ticket prices are $35 for general admission, $25 for seniors - 62 and above – and $10 for students. The courtroom provides a limited number of premium seats with cushioned upholstery for $50. A link to buy tickets will soon be available on the company’s website: www.oswegooperatheater.com and its Facebook page. Tickets will also be available at the door for cash or check.