In preparation for Moores Opera House’s premiere of “Moscow, Cheryomushki,” the orchestra spent long hours in the performance hall perfecting the musical accompaniment for Friday’s show. | Aisha Bouderdaben/The Daily Cougar
Moores Opera House will showcase a satirical-musical take on housing redevelopments in 1950s Moscow with Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Moscow, Cheryomushki,” its second opera production of the season.
“Moscow, Cheryomushki” tells the comedic story of three Russian couples and their desperate pursuit for domestic happiness as they fight for new apartments in Cherry Town.
Directed by Buck Ross and conducted by Jake Sustaita, the witty operetta will be performed in English starring Brandon Grimes as Boris with Katrina Van Mannen and Leah Bobbey alternating as Lydochka.
Ross, who is putting on two opera productions in one week, believes audiences should be able to go to the opera as if they would to a movie theater.
“We always hope that people remember that opera is entertainment, first and foremost,” Ross said.
“It’s simply a play with music.”
“Moscow, Cheryomushki” will be the last production from Moores Opera House until their season-closing performance of “Rigoletto” in April.
“Moscow, Cheryomushki” opens at 7:30 p.m. on Friday with continued performances through Monday.
