Groups
DON GIOVANNI (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)
Oct. 19–27, 2019
Mozart’s classic dark comedy follows the notorious philanderer as he faces the consequences of messing with the wrong people. The bad guy meets his due in this satisfying tale of revenge.
JOFFREY BALLET "Beyond the Shore"
Nov. 2-3, 2019
Joffrey Ballet's exciting program new featuring dynamic young choreographers from Europe. Works include Liam Scarlett's "Vespertine,” Alexander Ekman’s “Joy” and Nicolas Blanc’s “Beyond the Shore,” set to an orchestral and electronic soundscape by Mason Bates.
SWEENEY TODD (Stephen Sondheim)
Nov. 16-24, 2019
Everyone’s favorite diabolical barber comes to the Detroit Opera House, serving up Mrs. Lovett’s questionable pies and a large helping of satire. Sweeney Todd follows the title character’s thrilling journey into insanity in the name of vengeance, challenging audiences not to cringe.
THE NUTCRACKER - BalletMet
Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, 2019
Follow young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince through a magical journey in the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Detroit's ONLY Nutcracker featuring a live orchestra as well as complimentary children’s activities before the performance and during intermission.
TOO HOT TO HANDEL
Dec. 14, 2020
An annual Detroit holiday tradition! This soul stirring, toe-tapping rendition of Handel’s Messiah never fails to bring audiences to their feet. It’s an exhilarating fusion of gospel, jazz and classical music performed by the Rackham Symphony Choir, the Too Hot Orchestra and an all-star cast of soloists.
MALANDAIN BALLET BIARRITZ
Feb. 15, 2020
French contemporary dance company Malandain Ballet Biarritz makes its Detroit Opera House. Known for their celebration of sensuality and humanity, the repertory program is a perfect date for Valentine’s weekend, performing emotive works from classic composers including Vivaldi, Chopin and Ravel.
GIANNI SCHICCHI (Giacomo Puccini)
Feb. 29 - Mar. 1, 2020
Wealthy Florentine Buoso Donati has just died but all his greedy relatives can think about is their neglect in his will. The tables turn with the help of the mischievous Gianni Schicchi but not in the way that they expect. The opera includes some of Puccini’s best music, including the famous aria "O mio babbino caro.”
DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM
Feb. 14-15, 2020
Celebrating its golden anniversary, Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to the Detroit Opera House with a program showcasing 50 years of their commitment to access, opportunity and excellence. Using the language of ballet they celebrate African-American culture and bring new life to the art form.
CHAMPION (Terence Blanchard)
Mar. 28 - Apr. 5, 2020
Terence Blanchard’s “opera in jazz” makes its Detroit Opera House debut March 26. Based on the real story of prized fighter Emile Griffith, Champion is a reflection on the boxer’s life as he struggles with regret, prejudice and the fluidity of sexual and societal morality. Featuring opera star Denyce Graves, Champion is a self-reflective work not to be missed.
SWAN LAKE American Ballet Theatre
Apr. 16-19, 2020
Co-Produced with University Musical Society
American Ballet Theatre returns with the ultimate storybook ballet, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. The ballet features America’s biggest ballet stars portraying the tragic love story of Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette and their attempt to break the spell that turns her into a swan each morning.
THE VERY LAST GREEN THING - MOT Children's Chorus
Apr. 25, 2020
The Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus presents the futuristic story of Cary John Franklin’s “The Very Last Green Thing.” The year is 2413 where students are taught and raised by an android with rare opportunities to go “outside.” After encountering a time capsule from the early 21st century, the children find a withered plant and the secrets unlocked from the planet’s past.
PAGLIACCI (Ruggero Leoncavallo)
May 9-17, 2020
Leoncavallo's “Pagliacci” closes the season with the tragic tale of the tears of a clown. The audience favorite tells of a clown who becomes embroiled in a fatal love triangle. The first opera ever to be recorded in its entirety, “Pagliacci,” with its famous “Vesti la giubba” aria, was the first opera to sell a million copies.
