Singing Dick

The stereotypical Richard Nixon isn’t part of Nixon in China, a 1987 opera by composer John Adams and librettist Alice Goodman that Opera Colorado is reviving for four performances beginning tonight. According to Opera Colorado artistic director James Robinson, the figure at the center of the narrative, which revolves around the president’s 1972 China visit, comes across as “an incredibly philosophical person — quite thoughtful, very intelligent. Not a caricature at all.” Likewise, neither Nixon portrayer Robert Orth nor the other actors attempt to mimic the famous people they play throughout the multi-media presentation assembled by Robinson, Colorado Symphony Orchestra conductor laureate Marin Alsop and the rest of their team. The result, he believes, is “a beautiful, accessible piece.”

Not to mention totally unimpeachable.

The curtain goes up on Nixon in China at 7:30 p.m. at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Tickets are $28 to $157, with additional performances running through June 15. Learn more at 303-357-2787 or www.operacolorado.org.
Sat., June 7, 7:30 p.m.; Tue., June 10, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., June 13, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., June 15, 2 p.m., 2008