INW Opera once again sets sail for an evening of music on the water
The Inland Northwest Opera sets sail with this summer’s annual Opera on the Lake. Audiences will get to enjoy an evening performance of “The Merry Widow” while enjoying sweeping views of Lake Coeur d’Alene.
“Having the opportunity to do these shows fully staged on a boat is a unique thing that we can do in this region,” said Dawn Wolski, the company’s general director and acting artistic director.
Inspired by the scenery of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the desire to bring opera to new audiences, the cruises began over a decade ago as “Aria Nights,” which showcased favorite songs from a variety of operas. Five years ago, the event graduated to full scale operetta productions on two – and now three – boats.
“Not everyone grew up listening to opera but almost everyone loves good music and everyone loves good theater and opera brings the two together,” said Wolski. “It’s always a wonderful opportunity to try to reach people in unusual venues.”
Because full-scale operas are highly complex and involved productions, Opera on the Lake, whittles opera down to its roots: beautiful music and first-rate theater.
Opera on the Lake has downsized costumes and, while it is still staged, does not include scenery.
“Our set becomes the mountains and the lake so that’s probably more beautiful than anything we could put out there,” Wolski said.
“The Merry Widow” was chosen for this year’s Opera on the Lake bill not only for its popular songs, but for its spoken dialogue, making it accessible to any audience.
“When you’re doing something that is not fully staged, it’s really wonderful to pick things where the tunes are familiar, where you have an option to do it fully in English, so it’s a little bit more accessible for the audience and where the music can just stand on its own. Anything on top of that is a bonus,” said Wolski.
Audiences will enjoy a two-hour opera performance in addition to wine and appetizers while watching the sun set over Lake Coeur d’Alene.