Things to Do Thursday: Too Hot to Handel!

Too Hot To Handel Returns to Detroit

Updated: Tuesday, 17 Nov 2009, 4:04 PM EST
Published : Tuesday, 17 Nov 2009, 4:04 PM EST

MyFox Detroit Staff

DETROIT, Michigan October 29, 2009… Rackham Symphony Choir in partnership with the Detroit Opera House proudly announces the return of the holiday classic Too Hot To Handel to kick off the holiday season with a one-night-only performance on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 8 p.m.

Hailed as the holiday celebration that is too hot to miss; the jazz-gospel 'Messiah' is sponsored by Mack Avenue Records and is the perfect musical celebration for the Motor City, combining decidedly Detroit inspired styles such as jazz and gospel.

Tickets for Too Hot to Handel are available through the Detroit Opera House online at , by phone at (313) 237-SING or through TicketMaster.com and by phone at 248-645-6666.

This not-to-miss holiday event features the Rackham Symphony Choir, tenor Rodrick Dixon, formerly of the Three Mo Tenors, soprano Alfreda Burke and alto Karen Marie Richardson.

They are joined by the Too Hot To Handel Orchestra which includes an all-star ensemble of Detroit jazz legends including Marion Hayden, George Benson, Alvin Waddles, Dave Taylor, Chris Collins, along with members of the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra. The piece is conducted by RSCs Artistic & Music Director Suzanne Mallare Acton.

New this Year:
Free Pre Concert Chat with Artists 7PM Dinner Packages with transportation from Dirty Dog Café, phone for details (313) 882-5299

THIS YEAR: If you can't make the live concert, it will be broadcast live by WRCJ, the classical and jazz public radio station owned by the Detroit Public Schools. Support WRCJ and buy your "virtual ticket" to the concert here.

Welcome to WRCJ 90.9FM

Too Hot to Handel Live Broadcast See the Rackham Symphony Choir's performance ofToo Hot to Handel this Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Detroit Opera House.  If you can't be there, listen to WRCJ 90.9 FM for a LIVE broadcast of this jazz/gospel update of Handel's Messiah.  John Penney Hosts.

Please read my husband's blog: The "D" Spot....

Doin' It in Detroit: Michigan Opera Theater and Detroit Opera House

The uncertain economic times have hit the Michigan Opera Theater especially hard this year; causing the cancellation of some productions and the shortening of other program schedules.

[I am happy to post this clarification directly from the Michigan Opera Theater: "(MOT)...is canceling only one spring opera production 'I Paglicacci' and one performance of 'The Elixir of Love' to generate additional revenue from the Final Four tournament that particular weekend..."]

 However, a Detroit favorite, "Margaret Garner", has returned this week for several performances at the Detroit Opera Theater. 

"Margaret Garner" tells the true story of an escaped slave who killed one of her daughters rather than see her returned to slavery. Margaret was recaptured and tried in court. The actual case was instrumental in the discussion of the Fugitive Slave Act and States Rights.  The opera, tells the story of Margaret's life before, during, and after her attempted escape.

The Detroit Opera House is home to the Michigan Opera Theater.  "Margaret Garner" is the kick-off production for the 2008-2009 Season.  Tickets range from $28 - $120; performance times vary. 1526 Broadway, Detroit. 313-237-7464. $28-$120. Also 6 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24-25. Gregg Baker and Denyce Graves star in this production.

History of the Detroit Opera House (courtesy of  The Detroit News)

The Detroit Opera House, originally opened in 1922 as the Capital Theatre, is one of several great movie and vaudeville theater palaces designed by Detroit-based architect C. Howard Crane. The venue deteriorated over the years until it was closed in 1985 with little hope of reopening. Needing a home, the critically acclaimed Michigan Opera Theatre purchased the building and adjacent property. The owners began the process of restoration, including over 70 percent of the building's plaster. In 1996, the $24 million project ended with an inaugural concert featuring Luciano Pavarotti.

Photo Credits

© July 2006. Woodward Avenue Action Association; Google Images

 

Shameless Plug: please read my husband's blog The "D" Spot...

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