Short But Sweet

Much like a preview trailer, Central City Opera's OPERA Shorts! provides a fun little teaser of a full opera production. It's sure to be a hit with opera lovers, but it's also an easy and painless 45-minute introduction for those who aren't as sure of their feelings for the challenging musical genre. The program, which features an interactive synopsis, short skits and musical clips presented by the Central City Opera Ensemble, centers on the CCO's upcoming production of Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story, which opens June 28.

OPERA Shorts! is a good primer for anyone planning to attend that show, as it will delve into details of staging and history, as well as looking at other productions that riff on the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet. Tickets are $20, which gets you a glass of wine, appetizers and an easily digestible bit of opera, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Alto, 1320 15th Street. Call 303-292-6700 or e-mail boxoffice@centralcityopera.org for reservations; visit www.centralcityopera.org for more information.
Tue., March 11, 5:30 p.m., 2008