"Stars Under the Stars" opens Opera Naples' new season

Steffanie Pearce, Opera Naples general/artistic director, on stage singing. Opera Naples, Southwest Florida's professional regional opera company, will perform "H.M.S. Pinafore," "La Boheme" and "Rigoletto" during the 2008-09 season.

The season begins with the second annual "Opera Stars Under the Stars" at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. Opera Naples has invited several world-renowned opera singers to provide a preview of the fullscale productions planned for this year. The Cambier Park band shell will be the site again this year, in response to enthusiastic patrons who enjoyed the outdoor venue last fall.

Also at Cambier Park will be Opera Naples' annual family opera performance sung in English: Gilbert & Sullivan's "H.M.S. Pinafore" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6. Tickets are available in a family four pack for $100 for two adults and two children.

Puccini's "La Boheme" will be performed at The Performing Arts Hall of Gulf Coast High School at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. Verdi's "Rigoletto," also at Gulf Coast High School, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15.

Founded in March 2005 by renowned soprano Steffanie Pearce, Opera Naples embodies the hallmark of regional opera, engaging the nation's finest professional singing actors, stage directors and guest conductors for principal roles, while encouraging and supporting talented performers from the region.

Season ticket prices range from $289 for premium seats to $127.50 for general seating at all three operas and will include entrance to the Under the Stars event at Cambier Park. Individual tickets range from $25 to $95 and are half-price for students ages 16 and older with valid school identification. Information about other tiered seating ticket options and discounts for groups of 10 or more can be found online at www.operanaples.com or by calling (800) 771-1041.