MSU Opera Theatre is proud to announce its final production of the season, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's timeless masterpiece, Don Giovanni. The performances will take place at the Fairchild Theatre of the MSU Auditorium in March on Wednesday the 20^th, Friday the 22^nd, and Saturday the 23^rd at 7 PM; and Sunday the 24^th at 3 PM. [Click here for details and tickets]

Directed by Melanie Helton, MSU Professor of Voice and a seasoned veteran with over 40 years of dedicated creativity to the art form, this contemporarily staged and costumed rendition of Don Giovanni promises to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling, exceptional vocal performances, and breathtaking music performed by members of MSU’s Symphony Orchestra conducted by Katherine Kilburn.

Based on the escapades of libertine Don Juan, the story is set against a backdrop of intrigue, passion, and moral dilemmas. The opera weaves a theatric portrayal of the antics of Don Giovanni, an arrogant and sexually promiscuous nobleman who commits murder and dupes nearly every character in the cast. Mozart’s masterful score, renowned for its depth and beauty will be brought to life by the talented student vocalists and musicians from the MSU College of Music.

“We are thrilled to present ‘Don Giovanni’ as part of our opera theatre season,” said Melanie Helton, Director of MSU Opera Theatre. “This opera is a timeless classic, and our talented cast and crew have worked tirelessly to bring Mozart’s masterpiece to life. Our patrons can expect an unforgettable experience filled with drama, passion, and exquisite music.”

Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience the magic of Mozart’s Don Giovanni as interpreted by the MSU Opera Theatre with set design by Thalia Pearce, MSU Department of Theatre MFA Design candidate. A special preview lecture will be held 45 minutes before each performance by Ms. Helton who also produces the entire season of opera with the MSU College of Music.

The entire MSU Opera Theatre season is generously supported by the Worthington Family Foundation with additional support thanks to sponsors James and Susan Bonfiglio and Susan Davis.

Tickets for Don Giovanni at the Fairchild Theatre are available through the MSU Music box office at music.msu.edu/events or by phone at 517-353-5340. Reserved seating tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors (age 60 and older) and $7 for students. Information about other concerts, recitals and performances in the 2023-2024 MSU Music Season can be found online.

Press materials

View or download the press release (PDF)
Contact Michael Sundermann, 517-353-2043, sunderm7@msu.edu 

From the production in March 2023, cast members from the MSU Opera Theatre perform Flastaff by Giuseppe Verdi at the Fairchild Theatre. Photo by Harley Seeley.

Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart follows the antics of an arrogant and promiscuous nobleman with a story that intermingles comedy, melodrama, and the supernatural. Graphic courtesy MSU College of Music.