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Yes, Virginia, There Is Opera

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 28, 2009

If you are under the impression that opera is a defunct and dying art form, relegated to a few remaining "war horses" both on and off stage, just pay a visit to Freedom Plaza and check out the activity calendars there. While a variety of entertainment has been presented successfully during the past year - everything from bluegrass and blues to Broadway and big bands - programs centered on opera have held their own and then some.

In November 2008, a dinner show built around an opera theme, "Murder in a Minor Key," sold out in a week. The auditorium was filled for the recent "Sherrill Milnes, Live!" presentation and two bus-loads of Freedom Plaza residents attended the local Performing Arts Club show, "Opera to Die For." Series tickets are already sold, and transportation arranged, for four opera performances at Sarasota Opera and four at Opera Tampa during the 2009 season. The bus is filled for the Feb. 7 MET LIVE showing of "Lucia di Lammermoor" at the Regency Square Mall movie theater, and further productions at that venue will be offered during the coming months.

The Freedom Plaza Opera Club meets twice monthly, always with excellent turnout, offering residents the opportunity to learn more about opera and view related operatic excerpts via the auditorium's big screen. These meetings, and participation in Opera Club events, have always been open to the public and have regular non-resident attendees whose involvement dates from the club's inception nearly two decades ago.

Though it may not be representative of all retirement centers across the country, Freedom Plaza certainly reflects the local artistic climate, and perhaps has even had an effect on it. By opening its Opera Club to the community and encouraging non-resident participation on opera outings where bus space is available; by presenting opera-related programs and entertainments with an open door policy and by using its resources to promote this art form on various levels, Freedom Plaza has helped to assure that opera - at least in this corner of America - remains alive and well.

Peggy Burgess is a creative consultant for Freedom Plaza.

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