Heartbeat Opera has just announced that it will be showcasing Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” and Beethoven’s “Fidelio” this May in radical interpretations.

“Don Giovanni,” which will play for six evenings will feature a mostly female creative team with orchestration inspired by Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet. The production will be directed by Louisa Proske with Felicia Moore as Donna Elvira, Leela Subramaniam as Donna Anna, and Samarie Alicea as Zerlina. Matthew Gamble will play Leporello, Nathan Haller will be Don Ottavio, and John Taylor Ward will portray Don Giovanni.

Performance Dates: May 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12

 Meanwhile Beethoven’s “Fidelio” will feature a primarily black cast and a prisoner’s chorus consisting of incarcerated people from six prison choirs across the Midwest. Ethan Heard directors. The work will feature new English dialogue with two major roles eliminated from the opera.

Nelson Ebo will lead the cast will play Stan, Kelly Griffin will take on the role of Leah / Leo, Daniel Klein will be Pizarro, Derrell Acon will play Roc, and Malorie Casimir will play Marcy.

Performance Dates: May 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13