See Met's 'Merry Widow' Live at Local Movie Theaters

Grab some popcorn and a box of candy -- although you may want to skip a big drink for a running time of 2 hours and 45 minutes -- and watch a live high-definition telecast of the Metropolitan Opera's new production of "The Merry Widow" at Cinemark theaters.

Renée Fleming and Nathan Gunn in the MET’s “Merry Widow.”
(Photo: Brigitte Lacombe/Metropolitan Opera)

The Live in HD series offering will begin at 12:55 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Franklin Park and Fallen Timbers shopping center theaters.

From the Met's website:

"The great Renée Fleming stars as the beguiling femme fatale who captivates all Paris in Lehár’s enchanting operetta, seen in a new staging by Broadway virtuoso director and choreographer Susan Stroman ("The Producers," "Oklahoma!," "Contact"). Stroman and her design team of Julian Crouch ("Satyagraha," "The Enchanted Island") and costume designer William Ivey Long ("Cinderella," "Grey Gardens," "Hairspray") have created an art-nouveau setting that climaxes with singing and dancing grisettes at the legendary Maxim’s. Nathan Gunn co-stars as Danilo and Kelli O’Hara is Valencienne. Mezzo-soprano diva Susan Graham takes on the title role later in the run. Sir Andrew Davis and Fabio Luisi conduct."

Tickets for the live telecast are $22-$24 at the theaters' box offices.

Opera Ain't No Drag Event Set for Feb. 7

Think operas are stuffy and boring? Think again!

That's the advice from the Pride of Toledo Foundation, a local non-profit group that supports the LGBT community, family and friends in our area. The foundation had so much fun hosting an opera event last year that it is planning another one for 2015, in conjunction with the Toledo Opera.

Opera Ain't No Drag will be held Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. and will include performances by Toledo Opera artists and the area's reigning queens and kings of drag.

All are welcome! From Pride of Toledo Foundation:

"New to opera? Don't worry! You'll recognize familiar tunes and see some of the best singers that Toledo has to offer. Never seen a drag show? You don't know what you're missing! Over-the-top costumes, wigs, makeup and performances ... maybe the two worlds aren't that different after all!"

Tickets are $15 each or two for $25 and may be purchased at the door or online at http://operaaintnodrag2015.brownpapertickets.com.

Beer, wine, soda and limited concessions will be available for purchase. For more information, visit Toledo Pride's Facebook page.

The Toledo Opera Guild is hoping for a good showing from its membership. If you've ever wanted a night to be totally over the top, this is it!