Happenings at Skylark Opera Theatre September 2025
Say "Happy 200th Birthday" to the Waltz King at the 4th Annual OktOpera Fest
Raise a glass with Skylark Opera at the 4th annual fun-raising OktOpera Fest, Thursday, October 9 at Fat Pants Brewing Co. Toast the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss, Jr. with an evening of effervescent music to enjoy with friends and family, all from the pen of the Waltz King himself. Soprano Julia Engel and tenor David Walton deliver the vocal fireworks. Pianists James Barnett and Mary Jo Gothmann accompany them and perform some virtuoso turns of their own. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages (the first one on us!), great food from the on-site food-truck (including Oktoberfest specialties), and plenty of free parking await you just minutes off Highway 494 in Eden Prairie. Try your luck with our ever-popular mystery boxes--they always sell fast! Tickets available beginning September 15, so plan to grab your friends and join in the fun!
A Spectacular Run of The New Seven Deadly Sins
The vocal virtuosity of Bergen Baker and the dancing skills of Patrick Jeffrey and Sarah Potvin ignited the stage in a bold fusion of music and movement, featuring the creative choreography of stage director Nikki Swoboda. Artistic Director James Barnett served as pianist, joined by violinist Ian Snyder in a mood-setting prelude and musical interludes, drawn from a score curated by Mr. Barnett.
At Talkin' Broadway, Arthur Dorman raved:
“Bergen [Baker] sang with flawless clarity, [and] infused each song with a sense of character and purpose. … Dancers Patrick Jeffrey and Sarah Potvin used movement to expand on the theme of each song, bringing both grace and muscularity to bear in creating a dynamic personification of each sin in its turn...The quality of [Barnett's and Snyder's] performance was exceptional."
Read full review here. Thank you to everyone who turned out to experience The New Seven Deadly Sins.
Photos courtesy of Nikki Swoboda
A Holiday Charmer Coming in December
Skylark continues its tradition of family-friendly holiday operas with the local premiere of The Christmas Rose by Frank Bridge. Partnering with a community orchestra and choir, Skylark singers will tell the story of the shepherds' adventurous journey to Bethlehem, secretly accompanied by Miriam and Reuben, the children of one of the shepherds. Much more information to come about this charming, family-oriented opera in Skylark's monthly newsletter, website and social media.
Looking Ahead: Sip of Opera returns March 14, 2026
Skylark returns to Nautilus Music-Theater in St. Paul's Lowertown for the 3rd annual Sip of Opera. The program honors Women’s History Month through poetry and music by trailblazing female composers and poets, including rarely heard gems by Nadia and Lili Boulanger, Cecile Chaminade and Augusta Holmés. Wines hand-selected by returning sommelier and Twin Cities native Erin Rolek complement the music to perfection. Start your spring season with one of Skylark's most popular traditions. Watch for details, coming soon.
Skylark Event Calendar
September 15, 2025: Tickets go on sale for OktOperaFest 2025
October 9, 2025: Skylark’s 4th Annual OktOperaFest celebrating the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss, Jr. at Fat Pants Brewing Co. 8335 Crystal View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
December, 2025: Frank Bridge’s The Christmas Rose
March 14, 2026: 3rd annual Sip of Opera at Nautilus Music-Theater 308 E Prince St #190, St Paul, MN 55101