Press Release

April 8, 2008

CHICAGO FOLKS OPERETTA and VILLAGE PLAYERS THEATRE PRESENTS
A NIGHT AT THE OPERETTA

Chicago Folks Operetta brings the charm, humor and luscious melodies of the Viennese and American operetta genres to life in its concert, A Night at the Operetta.  This magical concert will take you on a musical journey with the likes of the old world Viennese composers Franz Suppé, Johann Strauss and Franz Lehár up to the lively American operetta composers Rudolf Friml, Victor Herbert and Sigmund Romberg.  Featuring 12 leading Chicago area singers who hail from the Lyric Opera of Chicago Chorus, Chicago Symphony Chorus, and past performers of The Phantom of the Opera, you will be enthralled by their voices as they perform these rarely heard musical gems.  Following the show there will be an art exhibition by nationally acclaimed artist Rose Frantzen as well as Viennese pastries served with coffee and tea from Chicago’s very own authentic Viennese coffeehouse, Julius Meinl.

The concert will take place May 18 at 6 PM at Village Players Theatre, 1010 W. Madison Ave, Oak Park, IL.

Chicago Folks Operetta is a non-profit theater company devoted to the nurturing of live operetta through articulate and dynamic productions.  In the belief that the arts serve to illuminate the human condition, we are dedicated to the revival and development of operetta, a popular and accessible form of music and theater for general audiences.  In particular, the CFO concentrates on producing both Viennese and American operettas from the early 20th century.

The company was founded in 2006 by the husband and wife team of Gerald Frantzen and Alison Kelly.  Both are accomplished stage performers with wide-ranging credits including performances with Santa Fe Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Sarasota Opera, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago in addition to leading roles in The Phantom of the Opera.  While living in Germany, the pair developed a love and appreciation for the cultural experience of the operetta genre, and they are committed to bringing this same experience to audiences in North America.

Tickets are $30 and include coffee from Julius Meinl, Viennese pastries and an art exhibition by the nationally renowned artist, Rose Frantzen.  Tickets are available for purchase at 1-866-764-1010 or www.village-player.org.  The performance will take place at Village Players Theatre, 1010 W. Madison Street, Oak Park, IL.

For more information about the Chicago Folks Operetta contact Alison Kelly (708) 383-2742, e-mail: chicagofolksoperetta@gmail.com website: www.chicagofolksoperetta.org.

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Press Release (PDF)