“Bon Appétit!” is a comedy opera mimicking a classic Julia Child television broadcast. Witness an “episode” live on Sunday, March 1, at 4 p.m. at Governors State University’s Center for Performing Arts, according to a news release from the school.
Julia Child in GSU’s production
of “Bon Appetit!” a comic
opera based on Julia Child’s
classic cooking program.
(Photo provided)
Julia, played by Sarah Ponder Brock, teaches the basics of making a classic French chocolate cake. The score, written by Lee Hoiby, takes listeners on a musical journey to match the cooking mayhem unfolding before their eyes, in classic Julia Child fashion.
And it’s not just about cake. Songs range from “Be Our Guest” (“Beauty and the Beast”) and “Fin ch’an dal vino” (“Don Giovanni”) to “Votre Toast” (Bizet’s “Carmen”).
Not an opera fan? You will be surprised and entertained by a laugh-out-loud production with familiar musical themes and a hilarious, fanatically whisking chef who whips up a decadent masterpiece. Oh, and in the Center for Performing Arts version, you get to sample along with the songs and witness the hilarity up close and personal from your table on the stage!
Tickets are $50 per person and include wine and food sampling throughout the show. Seating is limited so reservations are recommended.
The Cast
- Desiree Hassler, soprano
- Sarah Ponder Brock, mezzo soprano
- Hoss Brock, tenor
- Michael Cavalieri, baritone
- Marta Johnson Lettofsky, pianist
Tickets are available at CenterTickets.net, by phone at (708) 235-2222 or in person at the box office, 1 University Parkway, University Park. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday: The box office is open two hours prior to shows.
Bon Appétit! is part of the Center’s Opera Up Close series, produced by Lyric Opera tenor John Concepcion. A portion of The Center’s programming is supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
