October 10, 11, 17 & 18, 2008

Showtime 8:00 PM v Cash Bar Opens 7:30 PM

Mark Lance Armory (near the carousel)
190 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL

Tickets: $20 in advance v $22 at the door v $180 for Table of 10
(Ticket price includes show, tapas, dessert & coffee. Wine & other beverages on sale at cash bar.)

 Box Office & Donation Line - 904-417-5555

FIRST COAST OPERA TO PRESENT
CABARET ESPAÑOL – A NIGHT OF SPANISH & LATIN MUSIC FOOD & FUN!

Looking for a unique evening full of Spanish song, dancing, tapas and wine? First Coast Opera (FCO) is getting ready to present the next in their very popular series of cabarets, Cabaret Español – A Night of Spanish & Latin Music, Food & Fun! This year’s cabaret is embracing the historical and cultural heritage of St. Augustine and bringing it to life on October 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 8:00 pm at the Mark Lance Armory, 190 San Marco Avenue, near the carousel. Past FCO cabarets have been very popular, so everyone is encouraged to buy tickets early by calling FCO’s ticket line at 904-417-5555.

Cast Members: Adam Mayo, Rhonda Nus Tinnin, Juan Carlos Unzueta, Regina Torres, Hector Gonzales

Cabaret Español will embrace the best of both Spain and Latin America. Act I features a tour of Spanish and Spanish-themed music, including opera and Zarzuela favorites. Unlike the rest of Western Europe, Spain never embraced opera. Instead, the country developed its own art form called Zarzuela, which is similar to operetta, or light opera, with a definite Spanish flair. The French opera composer, Georges Bizet, is best known for his Spanish-themed music, so Act I will also feature Bizet favorites including songs from Carmen. Act I also will be filled with authentic Spanish dances, including a Sevillana and a Rumba Gitana, by Aire de España Dancers!

Act II is a real departure from past First Coast Opera productions. Almost all of the songs in this half of the show are favorite Latin songs almost everyone knows and loves. These songs include such hits as “Besame Mucho”, “Perfidia”, “Somos Novios (It’s Impossible)”, “The Girl From Ipanema”, “Papa Loves Mambo” and many more, including a surprise visit from Carmen Miranda!  This act will feature ballroom dancing from the Arthur Murray Studio. The Arthur Murray dancers will also provide a free rumba lesson for all that are interested at intermission!

Cast Members: Rhonda Nus Tinnin, Adam Mayo, Regina Torres

The talented cast of singers includes FCO favorites Janet Rabe-Meyer (Master Class), Karen Adair (Madama Butterfly), Regina Torres (HMS Pinafore), Rhonda Nus Tinnin (Cabaret Parisien), Hsiao-Ling Wang (Master Class) and Adam Mayo (The Pirates Of Penzance). New to First Coast Opera are tenors Hector Gonzales and Juan Unzueta. Musicians include Sam Clein, piano, Douglas Beard, percussion and Matt Smith, guitar. Cabaret Español is being created and directed by Adam Mayo and Janet Rabe-Meyer.

A big part of all First Coast Opera cabarets is the authentic, themed food included with every ticket. Cabaret Español will feature a selection of Spanish tapas at every table. In addition to these light appetizers, dessert and coffee will also be included. Spanish wines and sangria, along with soft drinks, will be available at the cash bar to help enhance the festive Spanish spirit of the evening. Everyone will be seated at tables of ten, with a discount available for parties that reserve entire tables. Bring all of your friends, get a whole table and pass around the sangria!

Cast Members: Hector Gonzales, Regina Torres, Juan Carlos Unzueta

The First Coast Opera is in its ninth season of providing Northeast Florida with professional performances of opera, operetta, cabarets and more. The company was founded by Barbara Norris and Anthony Fast and is located in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida.  Past productions have included Madama Butterfly, The Magic Flute, Pirates Of Penzance, Master Class, Amahl and the Night Visitors, HMS Pinafore, Babes in Toyland, The Mikado and many concerts and cabarets.  First Coast Opera is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation and is partially funded by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council.

The First Coast Opera will present Cabaret Español – A Night of Spanish & Latin Music, Food & Fun on October 10, 11, 17 and 18, 2008 at the Mark Lance National Guard Armory, 190 San Marco Avenue, downtown St. Augustine. Shows are on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 pm, with cash bar opening at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $22 at the door, $20 in advance, and $180 for tables of 10. To purchase advance tickets, call FCO’s ticket line at 904-417-5555.

Cast Members: Regina Torres, Hsiao-Ling Wang, Karen Adair, Janet Rabe Meyer,
Rhonda Nus Tinnin, Hector Gonzales