UK Opera's 'Grand Night' to Return to the Stage This June
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 25, 2021) — The University of Kentucky Opera Theatre is proud to announce the 29th annual production of "It’s a Grand Night for Singing!" returning live for audiences June 17-20 at the Lexington Opera House.
After more than a year without live performances, executive producer Everett McCorvey and the team at UK Opera Theatre are back in front of an audience with the 29th version of Lexington’s favorite summertime spectacular, "It’s A Grand Night for Singing!" Because of industry regulations related to COVID-19, this year’s production will be 90 minutes with no intermission and will feature a smaller cast and orchestra than audiences may be used to.
“As we work to find our way back to live performances with an audience, the performance will feature a few group numbers, but mainly smaller ensembles, solos and duets,” McCorvey said. “Cast members will be wearing tuxedos and gowns, throwing it back to when 'Grand Night' all started in 1991 — this will truly be a 'town and gown' affair but rest assured, there will be dancing! We are fortunate to have as our guest choreographer, Lexington’s own Patrick Garr, who is currently in the touring cast of 'Hamilton.'”
Garr earned his bachelor’s degree in theatre, a musical theatre certificate and minor in dance from UK in 2016.
Twenty-nine years ago, the UK School of Music’s opera program debuted a summer show celebrating the talent of its students, creating a platform for students to explore the musical theatre songbook. Over the years, this intimate musical revue has grown into a spectacular production with more than 70 performers, a full orchestra, and sets and costumes to rival professional companies. The show represents an important partnership between the university and the Lexington community, bringing students and local artists together to share the limelight.
This year, with support from the Lexington Opera House and the Opera House Fund, the production seeks to revitalize Central Kentucky’s rich performing arts culture and is a great step toward returning to a sense of “normalcy” in the arts and downtown Lexington. Featuring the best of Broadway and the best of student and community singers, is a great way to restart this treasured, community event.
"It's a Grand Night for Singing!" returns to the stage 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, June 17-20, and 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, June 19-20.
General public ticket sales for "It's a Grand Night for Singing!" begin Friday, May 28. Tickets range $28-$47. Additional fees may apply. Tickets will be available online through Ticketmaster.com and through the Central Bank Center Ticket Office. The Central Bank Center Ticket Office is located on High Street at the entrance to Rupp Arena, across from Gate 2 Parking entrance. Office hours are noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, for more information call 859-233-3535.
*Per current Kentucky COVID-19 guidelines, mask use is not required for vaccinated patrons and social distancing will not be followed.
The highly acclaimed UK Opera Theatre program is part of the School of Music at the UK College of Fine Arts. The school has garnered a national reputation for high-caliber education in opera, choral and instrumental music performance, as well as music education, music therapy, composition, and theory and music history.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.