CCM Opera presents Britten's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Step into a world of enchantment as the UC College-Conservatory of Music's Opera Series presents A Midsummer Night's Dream, March 6-9, 2025, in Patricia Corbett Theater. This opera fuses William Shakespeare's beloved romantic comedy with Benjamin Britten's stunning musical score.

Directed by CCM Opera Professor Robin Guarino and conducted by alumni guest artist William Langley, this captivating production offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale, exploring themes of love, transformation and the power of the natural world. 

Guarino describes the opera as an uplifting journey of self-discovery. "Ultimately, I think there is a lot of hope in this piece — that we will get it together and become the best versions of ourselves."

Through mesmerizing visuals and Britten's evocative music, CCM's production brings a deeper, thought-provoking layer to the timeless story. The scenic design transforms the stage into a whimsical and otherworldly dreamscape, full of unexpected and mystical elements — including a giant UFO on stage. 

"This rendition of A Midsummer Night's Dream is a commentary on topics such as classism, politics and environmentalism," says Hair & Make-Up Designer Claire Bonnette, a second-year MFA student at CCM.

The young lovers in the story — Helena, Lysander, Hermia and Demetrius — have a "privileged, Gen Z, clean aesthetic" and the group of mechanicals (amateur actors) are a group of “coal miner characters” who will have scruffy facial hair and will be smeared with grease. The fairies in the CCM’s production are aliens whose make-up designs are inspired by ‘80s punk and avant-garde looks. “Space alien fairies is a make-up designer’s dream — it has been so fun to design,” Bonnette adds.

This year, Robin Guarino is retiring after being a CCM faculty member for 17 years. During her time here, she has worked with countless students who have gone on to perform on prestigious opera stages throughout the world. She has also worked on the development of new operas though Opera Fusion: New Works, a partnership between CCM and the Cincinnati Opera. To date, the program has hosted 34 workshops or orchestral readings for 28 operas. 

"I was drawn to CCM because of the students," Guarino says. "It's hard to believe that 17 years have gone by. It's exciting that I feel as energized as I did when I first came here."

Composed by Benjamin Britten  
Libretto by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, after the play by William Shakespeare 

• 8 p.m. Thursday, March 6 
• 8 p.m. Friday, March 7  
• 8 p.m. Saturday, March 8 
• 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9 

Tickets: $36 adult, $20 student, $15 UC faculty/staff, $10 UC student, $5 CCM student; group discounts available.

Experiencing the magic of CCM OnStage has never been easier! Purchase your tickets:

• Online at ccmonstage.universitytickets.com
• Over the phone at 513-556-4183
• In person at the CCM Box Office in the Atrium of UC's Corbett Center for the Performing Arts

CCM’s Box Office hours are Tue-Fri from 1-5 p.m. and one hour prior to curtain for ticketed performances. Hours subject to change based on the University of Cincinnati calendar. Our Box Office staff is always ready to answer your questions by phone at 513-556-4183 or email at boxoff@uc.edu. 

CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. For detailed driving directions, visit ccm.uc.edu/directions.

Parking is available in UC's CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Effective July 1, 2023, all University of Cincinnati Parking Services locations are cashless. Pay for parking securely with your credit/debit card. All major credit cards accepted.

CCM OnStage patrons can add pre-paid parking to their checkout carts when purchasing tickets. Pre-paid parking is date/performance specific. CCM Garage parking rates for a performance or special event is usually available for $10-15. Learn more about parking at UC's CCM Garage.

For additional information on parking at UC, please visit uc.edu/about/parking.

There's more to explore — view our full performance schedule by month or visit the CCM Box Office website to buy tickets. 

Stay up to date on CCM news and events by subscribing to our Next OnStage email newsletter, which is published every other Wednesday. Visit ccm.uc.edu/subscribe to sign up for email updates.

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