From the moment Carmen encounters Don Jose, the delectable and impudent gypsy is determined to win his love. She succeeds quickly and leads the enraptured soldier away from his honorable lifestyle into her own world of crime and chaos. Don Jose's sacrifice proves worthless, however, as Carmen turns her attention to a new lover, the famous toreador Escamillo. As complications abound, Don Jose's adoration becomes enraged jealousy, with tragic results. One of the most popular operas of all time, this powerful work has enthralled audiences since its Paris debut in 1875.

Performance Dates:
July 19, 20, 23, 25, 30, August 1, 3, 5, 7, 10

Professor Henry Higgins, England's leading phoneticist, bets an aristocratic friend that he can turn Eliza Doolittle, a cockney peddler of violets, into a proper society lady. Despite a setback that humiliates Eliza, the professor perfects her accent and completes her transformation. In celebrating his success, Higgins loses sight of the person beneath his experiment. His blindness almost costs him the real prize, as Eliza storms out in hurt and anger. Finally aware of his loss, the professor sings his regret. Hearing his wistful song, Eliza returns, and happiness prevails.

Performance Dates:
July 5, 6, 12, 13, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31, August 2, 6, 8, 9

Broadway Bound

July 4

Festival singers perform a collection of hits from Broadway shows past and present. This energetic show offers everything from favorites by the likes of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Gershwin, and Cole Porter, to the current hits direct from Broadway!

Mozart & More

July 18

Spend a romantic, enchanted evening with our Opera Company as they sing some of the world's best-loved music. Festival singers choose their favorite arias, duets, and ensembles from celebrated composers such as Rossini, Verdi, Puccini, and, of course, Mozart!

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DinoRock's Dinosaurs Forever!

July 26

Come sing and laugh with Tootsie the tap dancing Triceratops, Big Bad Baby Rex, and many more dinosaur friends in this delightful musical revue.

The Story of the Gypsy & the Toreador

August 2

Ash Lawn Opera's apprentice artists will perform a special, kid-friendly version of Bizet's Carmen.

Bob Brown Puppet's Rumpelstiltskin
August 9

When the king locks the miller's daughter in the tower and she is faced with the impossible tasks of spinning straw intoi gold, Rumpelstiltskin offers a way out -- but at a great price.