Opera in the Outfield this Saturday Live Broadcasting Cinderella

Photo courtesy Washington National Opera

From a press release:

“Washington National Opera (WNO) celebrates its seventh season of free opera simulcasts at Nationals Park with title sponsor Mars Chocolate North America for the M&M’S® Opera in the Outfield performance of Rossini’s charming romantic comedy Cinderella on Saturday, May 16, 2015. This dazzling production has been acclaimed worldwide for its witty characterizations, rainbow-bright sets and costumes, and easy-to-follow English translation, making it a perfect opera for the entire family. Gates open at 5 p.m. for “pre-ball” activities, and the opera will be broadcast live from the Kennedy Center Opera House to the high-definition NatsHD scoreboard at the ballpark at 7 p.m. Free seating will be available in the stands, while access to the outfield grass will be limited on a first-come, first-served basis when gates open at 5 p.m. More information, including a chance to RSVP to win prizes, is available at OperaintheOutfield.org.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the festive ballpark atmosphere. Beginning at 5 p.m., the special pre-show entertainment will include:

 A Royal Parade in which kids of all ages are invited to arrive in costume and march around the lower concourse (begins at 6 p.m.; meet at sections 131-132 at 5:45 p.m.).

 Photo opportunities for kids of all ages with the living statue of Babe Ruth and characters from Cinderella.

 Performances by local artists, including students from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Opera Program and the Watkins Elementary Choir.

 A meet-and-greet with M&M’S® Brand Chief Chocolate Officer, Ms. Brown.

 Kids can also play in the open playground, dress up with items from the Washington
National Opera costume trunk, visit the craft table, and have their faces painted by expert
makeup artists.

 American Heritage Chocolate demonstrations and lessons in chocolate history.

 A screening of the Warner Bros. cartoon “What’s Opera Doc?” starring Bugs Bunny. Set
to Wagner’s iconic “Ride of the Valkyries,” this parody of opera is best known for Elmer
Fudd’s proclamation “Kill the wabbit!”

 Chances to win prizes, including a family fun pack of four tickets to Matilda the Musical
at the Kennedy Center, the opportunity to attend the Kennedy Center’s Fourth of July Celebration, two tickets to the Kennedy Center’s 18th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor honoring Eddie Murphy, a year’s supply of M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Candies, and more.

Hosted by Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter, this event will feature a live broadcast of Cinderella to the Nationals’ state-of-the-art NatsHD scoreboard. Cinderella is Rossini’s popular retelling of the beloved fairy tale, with a few fabulous twists. The opera is performed in Italian with English captions, making it easy to follow along with the story and music. M&M’S® Opera in the Outfield will take place rain or shine—in case of inclement weather, some covered seating is available. Regular concessions will be available throughout theballpark, and special picnic baskets can be ordered in advance. Menus and order forms are available at OperaintheOutfield.org.

More information about the free M&M’S® Opera in the Outfield simulcast of Cinderella at Nationals Park is available at OperaintheOutfield.org. Patrons who RSVP on the website will be entered into a prize drawing. (RSVP’s are not required for admission into Nationals Park; walk-ins are welcome.) Groups of 10 or more can call the Kennedy Center’s Group Sales Office at (202) 416-8400 to arrange for a reserved seating section at Nationals Park.

Due to the popularity of M&M’S® Opera in the Outfield, patrons wishing to sit on the outfield grass will need to pick up a free wristband when they enter Nationals Park. The wristbands (one per person) will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be distributed at a table to the left of Center Field Plaza near the Family Picnic Area (at sections 141- 143) beginning at 5 p.m. Once all of the available wristbands have been claimed, an announcement will be made over the stadium sound system and field access will be closed to those without a wristband. Ample free seating will be available in the stands throughout the evening. For more information on seating options, patrons can visit OperaintheOutfield.org.

Accessible seating is available throughout Nationals Park, and assistive listening devices are also available. The event will be fully captioned. For additional information about accessibility or to request an accommodation, patrons can visit the Nationals’ website or contact the Kennedy Center’s Accessibility Office at (202) 416-8727 or [email protected].

“We are proud to partner with the Kennedy Center and Washington National Opera to provide thousands of adults, children, and families with access to such a unique art form,” said Geoffrey Galant, Director, Mars Properties. “This signature community outreach event truly embodies the Mars Principles, which are at the heart of the company’s day-to-day activities and aligns Mars perfectly to M&M’S® Opera in the Outfield—an event that brings families together to experience a magnificent performance. Our hope is that this will be a family event that will be remembered and talked about at family events for years to come.”