6 Inspiring Productions Coming to Glimmerglass Festival

The Glimmerglass Festival is a magical place: A historic opera house presents all sorts of theatrical productions in a beautiful, open-air theatre in which all 914 seats are less than 70 feet from the stage.

The Glimmerglass Festival is situated on Otsego Lake between the Adirondack and Catskill mountains, so visitors can stroll the best of Central New York's countryside and even enjoy a gourmet picnic featuring local ingredients delivered fresh to the theatre daily. The lake was called “Glimmerglass” in James Fenimore Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales, which is reflected not only in the Festival's name but also in nearby Glimmerglass State Park.

The Festival offers new productions in July and August, from world-class opera to musical theatre, discussions and events. Here are six that are sure to enchant you:

1) Kern’s Show Boat: "As the cotton blossom docks in Mississippi, follow Cap’n Andy Hawks and his extended family on a journey of love and heartbreak," according to Glimmerglass Festival's website. "Revolutionary for its exploration of serious themes such as racism, Show Boat blends humanity and humor with plenty of hit tunes including “Ol’ Man River,” “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” and “Make Believe.” July 6-Aug. 24.

2) Verdi’s La traviata: A beloved opera co-produced with the Washington National Opera, La traviata follows Parisian courtesan Violetta as she leaves her life of opulence behind for the love of Alfredo. July 7-Aug. 24.

3) Corigliano’s The Ghosts of Versailles: "In this hilarious nod to The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro, the ghost of Marie Antoinette is upset about her untimely ending, so her favorite playwright, Beaumarchais, attempts to amuse her with a new work," according to the Glimmerglass Festival website. "He produces an opera within the opera starring Figaro, Count Almaviva and Susanna, who try to save the queen from her beheading in a fast-moving and tuneful production." July 13-Aug. 23.

4) Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s Blue: This world premiere "centers on the hopes and fears of a young black couple as they raise a son in 21st-century America," according to the Glimmerglass Festival website. "In this story of love and loss, we see the father, a police officer, and the mother supported by a loving community of fellow law enforcement, churchgoers and friends as they navigate a devastating reality." July 14-Aug. 22.

5) Britten’s youth opera, Noah’s Flood: This charming operatic adaption features the Glimmerglass Youth Chorus performing and members of the Young Artists Program with piano accompaniment. Aug. 2-9

6) Tchaikovsky’s The Queen of Spades: Sung in English, this adaptation "offers a compact and compelling theatrical experience, combining Alexander Pushkin’s short story, a gripping tale of the consequences of obsessive greed, with highlights from Tchaikovsky’s score," according to the Glimmerglass Festival website. Aug. 6-19.

Ready to plan your trip? Find all the necessary information and ticket sales by visiting Glimmerglass Festival online at glimmerglass.org, by emailing info@glimmerglass.org or by calling 607-547-2255. Season subscriptions also are available.