A Study In Starlets

Unplugged View: A Study In Starlets
By Aaron Rowan

“My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little problems help me to do so.” – Sherlock Holmes.

I share this sentiment with my favorite literary character, although the only crimes I’m trying to help solve are the shortage of unique musical offerings in Modesto and the often meager audience support when such offerings do appear. Another attribute Sherlock and I have in common is – surprise! – a fondness for the opera. Opera is glorious. It’s soul-stirring. It’s enriching. It’s alimentary, my dear Watson. It makes a considerable difference to me, to have someone on whom I can thoroughly rely to curate this highest expression of music. Several someones, in fact: the amazing Opera Modesto team.

The new year commences with a double…..make that a triple feature brought to you by this very crew. It begins Wednesday, January 10 at the State Theatre, with a program titled ‘Singing Outside The Box’ starring two of the most accomplished vocalists with Modesto roots: American Idol contender & Postmodern Jukebox singer Effie Passero, and Broadway performer Jeremy Stolle of ‘The Phantom Of The Opera’ fame. This is a crossover concert not to be missed. Doors at 6 pm, show at 7, $20-$60 tickets.

It only gets more magnificent from there. On Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 13 & 14, the Story Into Song literary opera series returns to the State Theatre with ‘Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Fallen Giant’ which sees our sleuth team up with the boy with the magic beans. I’d have gone with ‘The Sign Of Four’ as the ideal Sherlock opera adaptation: that novella’s got intrigue, romance, hidden treasure, and what I think is an aria-worthy conversation where Holmes talks about “the most winning woman” he ever knew. But the classic books-turned-operas that Roy & company choose always turn out spectacular, and I’ve got no complaints here. It’s deerstalker vs. beanstalker in the professional world premiere of this lighthearted operatic fairy tale/mystery mashup. Showtime is 2 pm on both days. Prices range from $20 to $40.

The plot thickens even further the night before the opera. Friday 1/12 at 7 pm, also at the State, get your gumshoe on at an opening gala that includes an original murder mystery game designed by local author and Opera Modesto board member Hillari DeSchane. Party like a Baker Street Irregular with appetizers & desserts, costumes, and guest appearances by cast members from the opera. General admission is $60, available at www.operamodesto.org. Buy your tickets at once if convenient. If inconvenient, buy your tickets all the same. Be a part of one of the most exciting weeks of Modesto music we’ll enjoy in 2024 Intimate performances. Infinite playlist. MODESTO UNPLUGGED. www.modestounplugged.com.