The College of Charleston Opera will present The OpERAS Tour, a sweeping musical journey spanning operatic and American musical theater eras, Nov. 14–15 at the Chapel Theatre. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the production celebrates the timeless power of voice and storytelling, bringing together the grand tradition of opera and the vibrant energy of musical theater.
From the elegance of Baroque opera to the lyrical beauty of the Romantic era — and from the golden age of Broadway to the modern stage — each “era” highlights the evolution of music drama. Featuring iconic scenes, solos and ensembles, the performance showcases the emotional depth, humor and passion that define each period. Audiences can expect the charm of Mozart, the Americana of Copland, the wit of Sondheim and the intensity of contemporary theater.
Directed by College of Charleston music faculty member Amanda Castellone, the show invites audiences to experience the same spirit of connection that inspired Swift’s Eras Tour.
“As a Taylor Swift fan, I was inspired by the spectacle of her performances,” Castellone said. “Her Eras Tour celebrated different periods in her musical life, bringing people together through joy and storytelling. In our Opera/Music Theater Workshop, we teach that the foundation of opera is storytelling — so what better way to connect audiences than by exploring works from major musical eras? We want to unite opera and musical theater fans in that same way.”
The production features 27 student artists performing selections from Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern opera, as well as Golden Era and contemporary musical theater. Audiences will see freshmen in their first operatic scenes, upperclassmen exploring new genres and a Post-Baccalaureate Artist in Residence tackling emotionally complex repertoire.
“And in true Taylor Swift style, we couldn’t resist adding a few surprises,” Castellone said. “Have you ever seen opera singers tap dance? Or rap? Our audience will be delighted by the creativity and growth our students bring to the stage this semester.”
The OpERAS Tour features stage direction by Amanda Castellone, assistant director of opera, and Meleana Cabales, post-baccalaureate artist in residence (opera); music direction by Lorna Barker with assistance from pianists Hugh Knight and Wojciech Milewski; choreography by theatre and dance majors Drake Carney and Jean Roberts; and lighting design by Department of Theatre and Dance alumnus Eddie Frye. Supertitles will be projected for scenes performed in foreign languages.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
What: The OpERAS Tour — College of Charleston Opera
When:
- Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Where: Chapel Theatre, 172 Calhoun St., Charleston
Tickets: $9–$26, with discounts for College of Charleston students and employees
Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the George Street Box Office (44 George St.), by emailing gsbo@cofc.edu or by calling 843-953-4726.
For more information and ticket links, visit go.charleston.edu/music-ensembles.
About the College of Charleston Opera
The College of Charleston Opera is part of the Department of Music in the College’s School of the Arts.