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Save the date for “Speed Dating” and get ringside seats for “Outside the Ring” as Bellissima Opera brings us a double bill of the often poignant, sometimes outrageous, and always spectacular sports of dating and boxing. Speed Dating Tonight!, libretto and music by Michael Ching paired with excerpts from the new opera Outside the Ring by librettist Christine Steyer and composer David Shenton from their award-winning Transcendence Series.

A cast of 20 professionals and 15 young people present two short dynamic operas in English—featuring Emily Mwila, Elizabeth Fisher, Bill McMurray, and Ryan de Ryke.

Highlights from a thrilling new work in progress, exploring friendship and rivalry, racism and redemption, "Outside the Ring" tells the story of the bouts between African-American boxer Joe Louis and German boxer Max Schmeling in the 1930s, and their unexpected friendship in the 1950s.

The second half of the evening brings us into the bar where ten hopefuls try their luck at a speed dating event. Sparks fly and fizzle as our daters have encounters ranging from comedic to heartwarming.

Limited seating: Purchase tickets soon! https://workinginconcert.org/events/making-a-scene-with-american-opera/