Portland State University

Speed Dating Tonight!
Music & Libretto by Michael Ching
Based on a concept by Dean Anthony

Portland State University’s Opera program kicks off its 50th anniversary season with Michael Ching’s “Speed Dating Tonight!” (2013). Set over the course of a single evening at a local bar, this clever, heartwarming opera follows a revolving cast of singles searching for that elusive spark. There's the dreamer, the hopeless romantic, the bashful, the over-sharer, the chronically distracted, and everyone in between, each getting their moment in the spotlight through music that is equal parts tender, heartbreaking, and hilarious.

Written with duets and ensembles for up to 45 voices, “Speed Dating Tonight!” has a flexible modular structure that can be customized to fit any cast size, voice type, or gender identity. PSU Opera’s version of “Speed Dating Tonight!” features 35 song selections and arrangements specifically chosen to reflect the unique assortment of voices in the 12-member cast.

At its heart, this is a show about the universal human longing to be seen and cherished by another person. Woven through the interactions is another question: can a genuine connection actually happen in five minutes or less? With Michael Ching’s delightful opera, the answer is decidedly yes.

Visit the Speed Dating Tonight! web page to learn more about this production, including additional dates, cast and crew information, photos, and more as we get closer to opening night.

Learn more about the Opera program at Portland State University's School of Music & Theater.

Speed Dating Tonight!
Music & Libretto by Michael Ching
Based on a concept by Dean Anthony

Portland State University’s Opera program kicks off its 50th anniversary season with Michael Ching’s “Speed Dating Tonight!” (2013). Set over the course of a single evening at a local bar, this clever, heartwarming opera follows a revolving cast of singles searching for that elusive spark. There's the dreamer, the hopeless romantic, the bashful, the over-sharer, the chronically distracted, and everyone in between, each getting their moment in the spotlight through music that is equal parts tender, heartbreaking, and hilarious.

Written with duets and ensembles for up to 45 voices, “Speed Dating Tonight!” has a flexible modular structure that can be customized to fit any cast size, voice type, or gender identity. PSU Opera’s version of “Speed Dating Tonight!” features 35 song selections and arrangements specifically chosen to reflect the unique assortment of voices in the 12-member cast.

At its heart, this is a show about the universal human longing to be seen and cherished by another person. Woven through the interactions is another question: can a genuine connection actually happen in five minutes or less? With Michael Ching’s delightful opera, the answer is decidedly yes.

Visit the Speed Dating Tonight! web page to learn more about this production, including additional dates, cast and crew information, photos, and more as we get closer to opening night.

Learn more about the Opera program at Portland State University's School of Music & Theater.

PSU voice students perform scenes from opera as a part of their training in the class Opera Workshop.

Watch the livestream or recording.

The concert program will appear here shortly before the concert.

The Music @ Midday Series is a weekly opportunity to experience the sounds of the PSU School of Music & Theater. Join us on Fridays during fall, winter, and spring terms for a diverse program of concerts featuring students, faculty, and special guests.

View the Music @ Midday Series page for all upcoming concerts.

Learn more about the School of Music & Theater.

Speed Dating Tonight!
Music & Libretto by Michael Ching
Based on a concept by Dean Anthony

Portland State University’s Opera program kicks off its 50th anniversary season with Michael Ching’s “Speed Dating Tonight!” (2013). Set over the course of a single evening at a local bar, this clever, heartwarming opera follows a revolving cast of singles searching for that elusive spark. There's the dreamer, the hopeless romantic, the bashful, the over-sharer, the chronically distracted, and everyone in between, each getting their moment in the spotlight through music that is equal parts tender, heartbreaking, and hilarious.

Written with duets and ensembles for up to 45 voices, “Speed Dating Tonight!” has a flexible modular structure that can be customized to fit any cast size, voice type, or gender identity. PSU Opera’s version of “Speed Dating Tonight!” features 35 song selections and arrangements specifically chosen to reflect the unique assortment of voices in the 12-member cast.

At its heart, this is a show about the universal human longing to be seen and cherished by another person. Woven through the interactions is another question: can a genuine connection actually happen in five minutes or less? With Michael Ching’s delightful opera, the answer is decidedly yes.

Visit the Speed Dating Tonight! web page to learn more about this production, including additional dates, cast and crew information, photos, and more as we get closer to opening night.

Learn more about the Opera program at Portland State University's School of Music & Theater.

Speed Dating Tonight!
Music & Libretto by Michael Ching
Based on a concept by Dean Anthony

Portland State University’s Opera program kicks off its 50th anniversary season with Michael Ching’s “Speed Dating Tonight!” (2013). Set over the course of a single evening at a local bar, this clever, heartwarming opera follows a revolving cast of singles searching for that elusive spark. There's the dreamer, the hopeless romantic, the bashful, the over-sharer, the chronically distracted, and everyone in between, each getting their moment in the spotlight through music that is equal parts tender, heartbreaking, and hilarious.

Written with duets and ensembles for up to 45 voices, “Speed Dating Tonight!” has a flexible modular structure that can be customized to fit any cast size, voice type, or gender identity. PSU Opera’s version of “Speed Dating Tonight!” features 35 song selections and arrangements specifically chosen to reflect the unique assortment of voices in the 12-member cast.

At its heart, this is a show about the universal human longing to be seen and cherished by another person. Woven through the interactions is another question: can a genuine connection actually happen in five minutes or less? With Michael Ching’s delightful opera, the answer is decidedly yes.

Visit the Speed Dating Tonight! web page to learn more about this production, including additional dates, cast and crew information, photos, and more as we get closer to opening night.

Learn more about the Opera program at Portland State University's School of Music & Theater.

Speed Dating Tonight!
Music & Libretto by Michael Ching
Based on a concept by Dean Anthony

Portland State University’s Opera program kicks off its 50th anniversary season with Michael Ching’s “Speed Dating Tonight!” (2013). Set over the course of a single evening at a local bar, this clever, heartwarming opera follows a revolving cast of singles searching for that elusive spark. There's the dreamer, the hopeless romantic, the bashful, the over-sharer, the chronically distracted, and everyone in between, each getting their moment in the spotlight through music that is equal parts tender, heartbreaking, and hilarious.

Written with duets and ensembles for up to 45 voices, “Speed Dating Tonight!” has a flexible modular structure that can be customized to fit any cast size, voice type, or gender identity. PSU Opera’s version of “Speed Dating Tonight!” features 35 song selections and arrangements specifically chosen to reflect the unique assortment of voices in the 12-member cast.

At its heart, this is a show about the universal human longing to be seen and cherished by another person. Woven through the interactions is another question: can a genuine connection actually happen in five minutes or less? With Michael Ching’s delightful opera, the answer is decidedly yes.

Visit the Speed Dating Tonight! web page to learn more about this production, including additional dates, cast and crew information, photos, and more as we get closer to opening night.

Learn more about the Opera program at Portland State University's School of Music & Theater.

Cendrillon
By Linda Brosky

A sparkling retelling of the beloved Cinderella fairy tale, Jules Massenet's Cendrillon weaves together romance, comedy and enchantment in one of opera's most charming masterpieces. Trapped in a household ruled by her vain stepmother and stepsisters, the kind-hearted Cendrillon dreams of a brighter future until a magical fairy transforms her destiny. A chance encounter with a melancholy prince leads to an unforgettable night of wonder, but when the clock strikes midnight, the magic fades and only love can guide them back to one another. Sung in French with English supertitles, Cendrillon enchants audiences with lush melodies, whimsical characters and a timeless story of hope, compassion and the transformative power of love.

Visit the Cendrillon web page to learn more about this production, including additional dates, cast and crew information, photos, and more as we get closer to opening night.

Learn more about the Opera program at Portland State University's School of Music & Theater.

Cendrillon
By Linda Brosky

A sparkling retelling of the beloved Cinderella fairy tale, Jules Massenet's Cendrillon weaves together romance, comedy and enchantment in one of opera's most charming masterpieces. Trapped in a household ruled by her vain stepmother and stepsisters, the kind-hearted Cendrillon dreams of a brighter future until a magical fairy transforms her destiny. A chance encounter with a melancholy prince leads to an unforgettable night of wonder, but when the clock strikes midnight, the magic fades and only love can guide them back to one another. Sung in French with English supertitles, Cendrillon enchants audiences with lush melodies, whimsical characters and a timeless story of hope, compassion and the transformative power of love.

Visit the Cendrillon web page to learn more about this production, including additional dates, cast and crew information, photos, and more as we get closer to opening night.

Learn more about the Opera program at Portland State University's School of Music & Theater.

Cendrillon
By Linda Brosky

A sparkling retelling of the beloved Cinderella fairy tale, Jules Massenet's Cendrillon weaves together romance, comedy and enchantment in one of opera's most charming masterpieces. Trapped in a household ruled by her vain stepmother and stepsisters, the kind-hearted Cendrillon dreams of a brighter future until a magical fairy transforms her destiny. A chance encounter with a melancholy prince leads to an unforgettable night of wonder, but when the clock strikes midnight, the magic fades and only love can guide them back to one another. Sung in French with English supertitles, Cendrillon enchants audiences with lush melodies, whimsical characters and a timeless story of hope, compassion and the transformative power of love.

Visit the Cendrillon web page to learn more about this production, including additional dates, cast and crew information, photos, and more as we get closer to opening night.

Learn more about the Opera program at Portland State University's School of Music & Theater.

Cendrillon
By Linda Brosky

A sparkling retelling of the beloved Cinderella fairy tale, Jules Massenet's Cendrillon weaves together romance, comedy and enchantment in one of opera's most charming masterpieces. Trapped in a household ruled by her vain stepmother and stepsisters, the kind-hearted Cendrillon dreams of a brighter future until a magical fairy transforms her destiny. A chance encounter with a melancholy prince leads to an unforgettable night of wonder, but when the clock strikes midnight, the magic fades and only love can guide them back to one another. Sung in French with English supertitles, Cendrillon enchants audiences with lush melodies, whimsical characters and a timeless story of hope, compassion and the transformative power of love.

Visit the Cendrillon web page to learn more about this production, including additional dates, cast and crew information, photos, and more as we get closer to opening night.

Learn more about the Opera program at Portland State University's School of Music & Theater.