Happenings at Skylark - February 2023

What’s February without Valentine’s Day? For Skylark, Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without extending our heartfelt thanks to you for keeping Skylark singing! We wouldn’t be here without your support.

Announcing Three Decembers Cast and Performance Schedule

In May, Skylark Opera Theatre will present the Minnesota premiere of Jake Heggie’s Three Decembers. This poignant chamber opera is based on a story by acclaimed playwright Terrence McNally. The libretto by Gene Scheer tells the bittersweet story of Broadway star Madeline Mitchell and her two adult children, Beatrice and Charlie, as they struggle- across three decades- to become a genuinely loving family. Filled with humor and heartache, sung in English to melodies worthy of a modern musical, this highly popular new opera affirms the power of love to offer healing and hope.

Skylark is thrilled to announce the stellar three-person Minnesota-based cast. Norah Long makes a welcome return to Skylark in the lead role of Madeline Mitchell, the famous but aging Broadway star, joined by Siena Forest as her daughter Beatrice and, in his Skylark Opera Theatre debut, Tony Potts as Madeline’s son Charlie. Three Decembers will be directed by the multi-talented Gary Briggle, with musical direction by Carson Rose Schneider.

Three Decembers will run for six performances at the beautiful 150-seat Jungle Theater, with opening night on May 12th and additional performances May 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. Tickets go on sale February 13th at skylark.booktix.com with a special kick-off Valentine’s Day promotion.

Interested in learning more about the opera? Click here for a six-minute conversation with composer Jake Heggie about Three Decembers (contains a plot spoiler). And follow us and watch for conversations with the cast, stage director and music director on Skylark's Facebook page.

Summer 2023 funding for Skylark for Seniors

Skylark will continue entertaining audiences at senior centers throughout the Twin Cities with on-going generous support from UCare. We announced UCare’s funding of our winter performance schedule last month. UCare continues to support this amazing community out-reach initiative with a grant of $25,000 to fund our summer series. Thank you, UCare!

Arts funding included in Minnesota’s biennial budget

In a show of support and recognition of the arts community in Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz has recommended an appropriation of $90.795 million to the Minnesota State Arts Board for the FY 2024-2025 biennium from the state’s dedicated Arts and Cultural Heritage fund (ACHF). ACHF is a taxpayer initiative that funds arts organizations throughout Minnesota. Minnesota Citizens for the Arts will be continuing their advocacy for arts organizations like Skylark Opera Theatre to ensure that this appropriation remains in the state budget. Please make your voice heard! Contact your state legislators about the importance of keeping Minnesota a State of the Arts! For more information, please visit the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts by clicking here.