Opera in the Outfield

I know it’s a little early to put things on your “to-do” list for next weekend, but I didn’t want anyone to hear about this activity too late and miss out.

Last summer I experienced my favorite DC event so far when I went to Opera in the Outfield at Nationals Park.  I’m delighted that it’s occurring again this Saturday, September 12.  Grab your friends, your family and random strangers along the way and get yourself to Nationals Park for simulcast of the Washington’s Opera season-opening show, Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville.”

The gates of the ballpark will open at 5:30pm so you’ll have plenty of time to grab your tasty treats from the vendors (this is probably the only time this year you’ll be able to watch world-class opera while sipping a beer and eating a hot dog), and find the perfect spot on the very well-manicured lawn before the show begins.  The opera is being performed at the Kennedy Center, home to the Washington National Opera, and being simulcast on the massive screen in the ballpark.  The operatic festivities are scheduled to begin at 7:00pm.

Last year, the General Director of Washington National Opera, Placido Domingo (yes, that Placido Domingo) made an appearance in the ballpark during intermission.  This year’s performance is sponsored by Target and promises to include t-shirt tosses, prize drawings, photo-ops with the red M&M, and the chance to enjoy an opera while wearing casual clothes.

I had a blast last year even though the opera (“La Traviata”) isn’t known for it’s light-hearted frivolity.  This year, we get a more upbeat opera AND an exclusive screening of Warner Brother’s famous cartoon “The Rabbit of Seville.”  Really.  This is one of the best night’s out in D.C., and I hope to see you there.