The Wheeler Opera House announced its line-up for the 2022-23 season on Monday. From musicians and dancers to magicians and acrobats, this historic performance venue offers a wide variety of entertainment.
Lisa Rigsby-Peterson, executive director of the Wheeler Opera House, said that while the organization had hired an outside booking agency to curate its “Wheeler Presents” shows, she and her team at Wheeler will be working on next season’s line-up. He said that he put together completely by himself. first time.
“It always takes a little bit of magic, a little bit of luck, and a little bit of research to put a season together,” said Rigsby Peterson. involves filling an underfilled niche in an already rich cultural environment.”
That was her top consideration when curating this season’s show. She said she really wants to think about the artists and performances Wheeler presents.
“Diversity is really important to me,” said Rigsby Peterson. “We need to recognize artists working in all kinds of different spaces, given the diversity of genres, the variety of things artists do in those genres, and the diversity of performers themselves.”
The diversity of the lineup is evident with 14 set programs and more to be announced. November kicks off with a tribute performance by a music group Los Chicos del 512, titled ‘The Selena Experience’, is a lively show celebrating ‘Queen of Tejano Music’ Selena Quintanilla. Rigsby Peterson said the kick-off performance was a great opportunity for the Valley’s large Hispanic population to celebrate an icon of Mexican culture.
Regarding the season’s diversity focus, Rigsby Peterson also pointed to “Our Song, Our Story: The New Generation of Black Voices,” due in January. Produced and directed by composer, conductor and multi-genre musician Damian Snead, “Our Song, Our Story” brings together black opera singers accompanied by string quartet and Snead on piano. , which focuses on the world’s most famous musical evenings. Famous opera arias, art songs and spirituals.
Rigsby Peterson explained that the event not only showcased black opera singers and musicians, but also provided an opportunity for those interested in classical music to engage with the genre in different environments and experiences.
Another priority for the executive director and her team when putting together the show was creating opportunities for families, says Rigsby Peterson. She mentioned the Chinese acrobatics show at Wheeler in February as a great production for her family.
Additionally, Wheeler will host a special magic show on New Year’s Eve by the famous Justin Wilman, starting early in the evening for family fun, followed by fireworks at Wagner Park. Rigsby Peterson said giving a family a performance on a busy holiday night in town would offer something different and hopefully be well received.
“Another thing that was important to me in considering how we fit into the culture of the city and the Roaring Folk Valley was recognizing that there will be times when we bring more visitors to the community. was to do,” said Rigsby Peterson. “So it’s wise to program for them.”
She mentioned a performance of The Boy Band Project scheduled for the end of January and coinciding with Gay Ski Week. The cover group reimagines the sound, movement and energy of beloved boy bands from the 1980s to her early 2000s.
Other season highlights include the return of the five-day Aspen Laugh Festival in February after a two-year hiatus. The famous John Oates will also make way for Wheeler after last year’s show was canceled, as he plans to join Guthrie for his Trap and Song and Story Evening in March. The final show, currently scheduled for the end of April, is a new musical production developed for the theater entitled ‘Bourne Hill’ by Martha Redbone.
Rigsby-Peterson said the line-up didn’t end there, explaining that there was more to come. Especially as musicians and artists begin to announce their winter and spring tour schedules. Also, in addition to Wheeler Presents his program, the venue community his partner events as well. It’s important, she said.
“In the 15 months I have been here, I have learned that people in our community feel that Wheeler belongs to them. , events and gatherings.”
Wheeler also announced a new season subscription program with Monday’s release. Seasonal subscriptions (only suitable for Wheeler presents programming) include ticket discounts, early access and ticket redemption programs. With a subscription, the more performances you choose, the more you save on ticket costs. According to the release, “Wheeler Season Subscription 3+” offers a 10% discount on premium and regular ticket prices when you choose 3 or 4 shows. “Season Subscription 5+” offers a 15% discount on ticket prices when you select 5 performances or more.
Rigsby-Peterson said the new subscription model will enhance opportunities for local communities to access more Wheeler shows and provide organizations with insight into the types of performances and programming people are excited about. He said it was introduced to buy tickets in advance.
“My job is to create programs for the general audience and see how they complement the work being done,” said Rigsby Peterson. “I am excited to hear how people will react to this season – what they want to see more and what they want to see less. It’s also important to be successful with your audience.
Season subscriptions go on sale at noon today and can be purchased at the Wheeler Opera House Box Office or online. aspenshowtix.comSingle tickets for all Wheeler Presents shows go on sale at noon on October 11th. For more information and updates on the season lineup, visit his website at: wheeleroperahouse.com.
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