Indianapolis Opera brings 'La Traviata' to Carmel stage next month

Indianapolis Opera will stage 'La Traviata' at the Tarkington Theater in Carmel on Nov. 13, 14 and 15. The production features a live orchestra, local cast members, and English supertitles for the audience. General director David Starkey described the work as a strong entry point for first-time opera attendees.

Starkey noted that the piece is the most produced opera globally. Audiences often recognize the 'Libiamo' drinking song from popular culture. He emphasized that the story of romance and heartbreak remains relatable for modern viewers. The company aims to support regional artists through this engagement.

Ron Dukes, a graduate from Brownsburg, will make his role debut as Doctor Grenvil. He previously performed with the company in 2017 as an undergraduate. During that earlier appearance, he sang in the chorus and took a small supporting role with a few solo lines. Dukes said he was happy to return for this new challenge.

The company actively develops talent from regional institutions. Performers are connected to Indiana University, Ball State University, the University of Indianapolis, and Butler University. Starkey stated that some chorus members may return for future productions. This approach allows the group to build a stable of local performers.

The performance takes place in Italian. English text appears on screens for viewers who do not speak the language. Dukes said attendees do not need to research the plot before attending. The show combines singing, dance, orchestra, costumes, and design on stage.

Starkey encouraged friends and families to attend together. He suggested the evening could serve as a way to introduce younger relatives to the art form. He claimed the stories on stage offer insight into current life experiences. The theater in Carmel holds between 500 and 600 people.

Tickets are available at indyopera.org. The performances are scheduled for three consecutive days in mid-November. The production highlights the collaborative nature of the local arts community. Starkey stressed the importance of seeing the full scope of the performance in person.