Opera Roanoke Matches $ 40,000 Challenge Grant, Prepares for “Sweeney Todd” and Ruby Anniversary Gala

Racing the clock to beat a September 30 deadline, Opera Roanoke has successfully matched a $ 40,000 challenge grant issued by The Secular Society, which offered the challenge in honor of the opera’s 40th anniversary.

“The timing’s great”, said Artistic Director Scott Williamson, “because the cast for “Sweeney Todd” arrives in Roanoke next Monday, and there are plenty of pre-production expenses as you can imagine, hotel rooms, sets, costumes, score rentals, rehearsal and performance space rental, and the list goes on.”

In addition to the big fall production – “Sweeney Todd” will play Friday, October 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 1 at 3 p.m. at the Jefferson Center (Box office 540-345-2550, tickets from $ 25) – the local professional opera company is preparing for its 40th Anniversary Ruby Gala.

Honoring longtime supporter Sheila Strauss, the black tie optional event will be held at the Taubman Museum on Saturday, October 24 from 6-10 p.m. Special Events Chair Linda Habermann said, “It will feature an exquisite dinner from Blue Ridge Catering, performances by the cast of “Sweeney Todd”, and a live auction of delights by Woltz & Associates, featuring dazzling ruby and diamond earrings from Fink’s Jewelers”.

All in all, it will be a very intense and busy October for Opera Roanoke. “Starting November 2, I believe we will be taking a few days’ vacation”, said Executive Director Linda Webb.

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