Tickets for Rigoletto Still Available

This weekend ushers in the finale of the Chorégies d’Orange at the Theatre Antique in Orange. Opera lovers will be blessed with what some say are the best acoustics in the world and a fabulous setting in the Roman Amphitheater, for a tour de force production of Rigoletto starring Leo Nucci as Rigoletto, Patrizia Ciofi in the role of Gilda and Vittorio Grigolo as the Duke of Mantova. With only two performances, Saturday July 30 and Tuesday August 2, this is one of the hottest tickets of the summer opera series. The curtain goes up at 9:30 p.m., finishing after midnight. Seasoned Chorégies-goers know the weather can be tricky so be sure to bring a sweater; you’ll also want to bring a seat cushion. The town center is closed to traffic after 4 p.m., with parking available nearby.  So it’s best to go early, take your time and enjoy a nice dinner al fresco at one of Orange’s many restaurants and bistros. Du Theatre, La Crémaillère and La Cantine are all good, reasonably priced options--but since all three are just across the street from the theater they're bound to be quite full. Wherever you choose to eat, reserve your table in advance to avoid a long wait. Tickets for Rigoletto range from 25€ to 240€.  For ticket info: 04-90-34-24-24, billeterie@choregies.com or go to the website by clicking here and then choose the link “Book Online.”

Photo: Mozart's Requiem, 2006, Roman Amphitheater, Orange.