Old Capitol Opera, an opera and musical theater nonprofit based in Iowa City, will host a night of ‘extravagant entertainment’ at their inaugural “All That Glitters!” fundraising gala on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts (1301 5th St., Coralville).
OCO was founded this past March by University of Iowa graduate Megan O’Brien, and is the only opera company currently based in Iowa City. They debuted this August with their production of Chicago, which O’Brien co-directed alongside Ken Van Egdon, a local comic and OCO collaborator.
In addition to raising money for OCO’s upcoming opera season, All That Glitters! aims to make opera and vocal performance approachable to a wider audience. The evening will include comedic opera, musical theater and cabaret performances featuring local performers and UI vocal performance students and staff.
“There will be a few songs that will tug at your heartstrings, but … the whole atmosphere will be lively,” says O’Brien. “You get to rub elbows with like-minded people and enjoy a really hilarious concert with community professionals.”
Attendees can look forward to wine, appetizers and music in addition to silent and live auctions. All proceeds from the event will help provide stipends for OCO’s musicians and singers, as well as build scholarships for the company’s apprenticeship program to educate amateur singers of all ages in the art of vocal performance.
Tickets cost $50 – $80 and may be purchased online or at the CCPA Box Office. Black tie attire is encouraged, but not required.
“It’s a chance to dress up, have a really great date … and open your eyes to the fact that opera is no longer this entity that seems untouchable,” says O’Brien, “Opera can make you laugh.”
