Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

WNO Moves West Side Story to Baltimore, Casts Ryan McCartan and Shereen Pimentel

The shift reflects WNO's protest of the Kennedy Center's contested renaming.

Baltimorean and opera superstar Denyce Graves plays the role of the Prime Minister (a role typically played by a man) in the Washington National Opera’s 2024 production of Ludwig van Beethoven’s opera “Fidelio.” The Opera will use two Maryland locations, in Baltimore and North Bethesda, for its May production of “West Side Story” — the first time a large-scale opera production with a $3 million budget has been performed in the Free State since 2009. (Courtesy of Corey Weaver)
Image
Image

Overview

  • Performances will run at the Lyric Baltimore May 8–10 and at the Music Center at Strathmore May 14–15.
  • Marin Alsop will conduct on May 8, 9 and 15, with James Lowe leading the orchestra on May 10 and 14.
  • The production transfers from Houston Grand Opera’s 2025 staging, with Francesca Zambello directing and Joshua Bergasse choreographing.
  • Design credits include Peter J. Davison (sets), Jessica Jahn (costumes), A. J. Guban (lighting) and original lighting by Mark McCullough.
  • WNO says it will not perform at the Kennedy Center for the foreseeable future in response to the renaming dispute, which has also prompted withdrawals by the Hamilton tour and the American College Theatre Festival and declining ticket sales.