By Joyce Kryszak
Lewiston, NY – Opera is returning to the Artpark stage for the 2003 summer season. But there will still be a mix of music of every kind for all to enjoy.
It's been about a decade since Artpark has presented big theatre stage opera. Making the triumphant return will be Puccini's "Madama Butterfly."
But music of nearly every kind will share the spotlight at Artpark. There will be two award winning Broadway musicals -- "Oklahoma" and "Swing" -- and the ever-popular headliners. This year it's Jethro Tull and Creedence Clearwater Revisted.
Some returning favorites are the Big Band series, "Bikers and Blues," and expanded "Tuesdays in the Park." Maureen Kellick, marketing director for Artpark, says the free Tuesday concert series is the family's answer to "Thursdays in the Square."
"While Mom and Dad enjoy the music and the vista of the breathtaking gorge, the kids are busy doing hands on art activities. There's entertainment for the children as well up," said Kellick. "So, it's a great, great family night."
And Kellick says they expect families to flock to Artpark this summer in greater numbers than before. She says war time travel concerns will make mini-vacations, close to home, more appealing.
"When people in our southern Ontario and Western New York area can drive to a beautiful place like Artpark to spend an afternoon, or take in an evening theatre performance, or sit under the stars and watch an outdoor concert, it's probably a very successful, safe solution for family summer mini-trips and outings," said Kellick.
And for an extra measure of patriotism, the United States Field Band of Washington, D.C. will kick off the fourth of July weekend at Artpark.