It’s no secret that arts and cultural institutions in and around metro Detroit could use a boost. We’ve all heard the stories of cutbacks. Even as museums, theaters and cultural institutions alter their programming to appeal to a wider audience, cut their ticket prices and offer special promotions, the struggle to fill seats still seems to exist.
With issues of statewide unemployment, it can be difficult to support the cultural programs we once did. As a result, stages go dark and some of the gems Detroit has to offer take the biggest hit.
For example, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is on strike. We won’t hear the sound of those fabulous performers before the end of of the month, at the earliest.
But today, I saw an interesting, promising sign. When checking my morning messages, the daily Detroit Groupon special featured an array of offers for tickets to upcoming performances at the Detroit Opera House.
Instantly intrigued I read on to find that the deal allowed for a choice of tickets to upcoming performances of either The Nutcracker – a holiday classic ballet that brings the season to life – and the stunning Puccini opera La Boheme. Both are amazing offerings that appeal to a wide audience.
The deal starts at just $20 per ticket and you can buy multiples, which instantly led me to think – presents!
Here’s the situation:
As the holidays approach, the Detroit Opera House rings in the season in spectacular fashion with two timeless classics. Puccini’s La Bohème captures the bittersweet romance of six idealistic youths struggling to survive in 19th Century Paris. As their worlds are rocked by unbridled passion and epic tragedy, each heart-wrenching Italian lyric will be translated over the stage with English supertitles.
The Grand Rapids Ballet, meanwhile, will fill heads with dancing visions of sugar plum fairies with Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, the joyous Christmas tradition about a brave toy soldier who defends his owner and confectionary kingdom from the advances of the dastardly Mouse King.
Behind-the-scenesters will want to arrive an hour before performances for special discussions with singers and dancers, who will offer insights on the impending spectacle and explain the vocal calisthenics and operatic training montages required to prepare for each week’s performance.
The Groupon deal allows users to choose from box or mezzanine seating for each show on multiple days, for evening or matinee performances. Check it out online at Groupon.com. It’s free to sign up and the deal is only available today.
To reserve seats, you’ll need to call the Opera House tomorrow at 10 a.m. but you are guaranteed seats in the section and day of your choice. It sounds like a fantastic deal. The Detroit Opera House is located at 1526 Broadway in Detroit.
Would you use a Groupon or similar discount for opera or ballet tickets or to support a cultural institution? Why or why not?
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This post is brought to you by the fine folks at Paragon Apartments, offering apartments across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, and the Paragon Patio, where residents connect. We’d love to talk with you on Facebook and Twitter!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Detroit Diva and 43KIX Detroit, Paragon Apartments. Paragon Apartments said: Did you see today's Groupon – Tickets to the Detroit Opera House in time for the holidays! http://ow.ly/37A4E [...]