Happenings at Skylark - May 2023

Three Decembers and Mother's Day are a perfect pairing

“All in all, isn’t life simply grand? I’m so awfully glad I showed up for it.”

(Madeline Mitchell in Three Decembers)

And you’ll be awfully glad you didn’t miss Skylark’s Twin Cities premiere of Three Decembers and the stunning voices of the Minnesota-based cast: Norah Long as Broadway star Madeline Mitchell, Siena Forest as her daughter Beatrice and Tony Potts as her son Charlie. This could be your once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience what Opera Today calls "a modern masterpiece" and Chicago Critic dubs "the finest modern opera that I've seen."

Based on a play by Tony-award-winning playwright Terrence McNally, Three Decembers is a powerful story, perfect for Mother’s Day, a musical exploration of family and family connections by composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer. Despite Madeline’s struggles as a single mother and the secrets that she and her children harbor, understanding and love for each other emerge in a haunting ending.

Three Decembers opens on Mother’s Day weekend with three performances May 12th and 13th at 7:30pm and May 14th at 2:00pm at the Jungle Theater. Have a meal in the Lyn-Lake area, visit with friends and family, and enjoy a spectacular performance. Tickets at skylark.booktix.com.

Can't make opening weekend? Not a problem! There are three more performances ---May 19th and 20th at 7:30pm and May 21st at 2:00pm.

We need you to take action now! Please support legislation for the MN Arts Community

The C.R.E.A.T.E. Bills, HF2844 and SF286, are being circulated in the Minnesota House and Senate. Passage of this bill would provide significant relief to arts and cultural organizations like Skylark Opera Theatre as we continue to grow. The next few weeks will be crucial if the C.R.E.A.T.E. Jobs bills are to be included in any final budget package. Add your voice to arts supporters across the state of Minnesota and let your legislators know that keeping the arts a part of every community is essential. It takes just a few seconds to submit a letter to your legislators through Minnesota Citizens for the Arts by following this link: artsmn.org/act/contact-your-legislator/ or email your legislators directly using the subject line LAST CHANCE: HF2844/SF2867.

You can learn more about the C.R.E.A.T.E. Bill and other efforts to support arts and culture in Minnesota by visiting the website for Minnesota Citizens for the Arts at artsmn.org.

Keep Skylark Opera Theatre singing! The GiveMN Spring campaign starts now

The costs for staging high-quality opera and musical theater productions like Three Decembers that are the hallmark of Skylark Opera Theatre keep rising. Skylark supports local artists and offers them opportunities to bring their talents to you. You show your love of Skylark’s intimate opera experiences by attending our productions.

But did you know? Ticket sales cover only 1/3-1/2 of production costs. We rely on the generous support of donors to keep us singing! Support Skylark Opera Theatre during the GiveMN Spring giving season. Go to our giving page here.

Megan Millett