NYC's bright lights come to State College
By Courtney Warner
FOR THE COLLEGIAN
State College is about to get a taste of New
York City's fine arts.
From Oct. 9 to May 14, the State Theatre
\OH show live telecasts of operas from New
York City's Metropolitan Opera every
Saturday
Kristy Cyone, marketing and membership
director of the State Theatre, 130 W College,
said she has high expectations for the
upcoming series. Since the series began four
years ago, Cyone said the opera broadcasts
seem to be "extremely popular"
"Each year has shown a significant
increase in attendance," Cyone said, adding
that several performances last year nearly
sold out.
The Met Opera season at the theater kicks
off at 1 p.m. Saturday with Richard Wagner's
"Das Rheingold." The mythical opera is
about Wotan, "ruler of the gods," who must
save the goddess Freia after spiteful giants
kidnapped her, according to the Opera's web
site.
Discussions about the history of the
operas will follow some performances to
enhance people's understanding and appre
ciation of the presented work, Cyone said.
Former Penn State English professor
Richard Gidez will lead the first discussion
this season. Gidez said he hopes to empha
size the past productions of "The Ring"
series, in which "Das Rheingold" is included.
"The overall cycle is a monumental 16-
hour-long piece," Gidez said.
Cyone said the telecasts won't take away
from the experience of live performances.
For the past shows, she said it felt "as if
everyone is part of the performance."
And some students said they are excited to
be involved.
Corey Masklee (freshman-theater) said
broadcasting the operas will be a convenient
way to popularize opera within the college
demographic.
Masklee, who attended a Metropolitan
Opera performance in New York City, said he
expects the upcoming performances at the
State Theatre to be "magnificent."
Raquel Price, Class of 2002, who attended
If you go
What: The State Theatre presents
Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD presents
"Das Rheingold"
When: 1 p.m. Oct. 9
Where: The State Theatre, 130 W. College
Ave.
Details: Tickets for each show can be pur
chased at the State Theatre's box office
and are $24 for adults, $22 for senior citi
zens and $lB for students with an ID and
children.
a previous telecast, said the theater gives
individuals without the opportunity to see a
New York production the chance to view an
equal experience at a cheaper price.
"The State Theatre preserves the concept
of an opera combining powerful drama and
intensive music that takes you to a magical
place. Opera is a fairytale for every person,
no matter how old or young," Price said.
The Met Opera will be telecasted locally