The Dallas Opera (TDO) has announced its 2023-24 Season, featuring a world premiere production of “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.”

Kicking off the season, opening with Puccini’s “Tosca” starring Ewa Płonka in the title role, Joseph Calleja as Cavaradossi, Gihoon Kim as Scarpia, Andrew Potter as Angelotti, Thomas Cilluffo as Spoletta, and Darren Drone as Sacristan in this Andrew Neinaber production. Emmanuel Villaume conducts.

Performance Dates: Oct. 13 – 21, 2023

TDO will present “The Billy Goats Gruff,” a 35-minute children’s show featuring music by Mozart, Donizetti, and Rossini. John Davies has adapted the words and story. Children 3 and up are welcome.

Performance Dates: Oct. 14, 2023  & Mar. 10, 2024.

“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” by composer Joby Talbot to a libretto by Gene Scheer will be given its world premiere performance, starring Grammy Award-winner Lucas Meachem as Jean-Dominque Bauby, Richard Croft as Abbe Faria, Sasha Cooke as Sylvie, Deanna Breiwick as Claude, Kevin Burdette as Papinou, Adrianna Churchman as Sandrine/Mercedes, and Andrew Bidlack as Doctor.

After awakening from a coma, Jean-Dominique Bauby is “locked-in” like a diver at the bottom of the sea. Despite this, his mind remains sharp, and with the assistance of his aide, he produces a memoir that showcases his immense strength and imagination. Emannuel Villaume conducts this Leonard Foglia production.

Performance Dates: Nov. 3 -11, 2023

“Pépito” comes to TDO and promises fun for the entire family. In this one-act comedy, Manuelita is loyal to her love Pépito, who is away at war. A letter from Pépito causes a series of topsy-turvy events. The show is full of delightful music and charm. Music is by Jacques Offenbach. Ryan Lescalleet directs the show.

The cast has yet to be announced.

Performance Dates: Nov. 12, 2023 & Mar. 2, 2024

The incomparable tenor Lawrence Brownlee will present a bel canto-filled recital with the esteemed collaborative pianist Myra Huang.

Performance Date: Jan. 21, 2024

Marjorie Owens sings the title role in R. Strauss’ “Elektra.” Joining Owens will be Denyce Graves as Klytämnestra, Angela Meade as Chrysothemis, Alfred Walker as Orest, and Clinton Forbis as Aegisth. Emmanuel Villaume conducts this David McVicar show with revival director Nick Sandys.

Performance Dates: Feb. 9 – 17, 2024

Rounding out The Dallas Opera season is a production of Gounod’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Long Long stars as Romeo, Golda Schultz as Juliet, Eugene Villanueva as Mercutio, Raymond Aceto as Friar Laurence, Donnie Ray Albert as Lord Capulet, Andrew Turner as Tybalt, and Kevin Thompson as Duke of Verona.

Performance Dates: Mar. 1 – 9, 2024