The Chattanooga-based grassroots operatic group, Artisti Affamati, will be presenting the opera, the Mighty Casey, at Engel Stadium on April 24 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. Professional local singers, musicians, directors, and and crew are coming together to present William Schuman’s operatic adaptation of the classic baseball poem Casey at the Bat.
Founder and coordinator Sara Snider Schone said, “This show is our latest effort to bring opera off the standard stage and into a space that may attract new audiences. It’s an accessible and much loved story being presented in a great Chattanooga landmark.”
Take Me Out to the Opera is the group’s latest project aiming to keep the operatic tradition alive in the Tennessee Valley and as their third full production, ends their first full operatic season. Kevin Combs, acting operations manager for the group said, “Artisti Affamati's presentation of William Schuman's The Mighty Casey will be a historic event for the Engel Foundation and the music community of Chattanooga. I am privileged to have worked with so many talented local-musicians on this project and am humbled by the generous support of our patrons who keep opera alive in our eclectic city.”
Stage director John Thomas Cecil’s excitement about this project is contagious. “As a child, I used to attend games at Engel Stadium with my grandmother, Ruth Cecil. She, and I by extension, were huge Lookouts fans. So, I was especially happy to be invited to stage direct this opera when I found out it was being performed in the beloved, historic Engel Stadium.”
This family-friendly event will have a running time of two hours and will include full concessions, Buddy Shirk of Summitt Pianos on the ballpark organ, Ensemble Theater of Chattanooga performing “Who’s on First,” and the opera itself.
Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for seniors and students, and $5 for children. To buy tickets, make donations, or for more information about Artisti Affamati and Take Me Out To the Opera, visit www.artistiaffamati.com or call 667-0928.