You expect opera to have wild plots, but one about a Persian king who’s enamored of a tree? That’s how George Frideric Handel’s Xerxes opens, with King Xerxes admiring a plane tree. Thankfully, the flamboyant ruler moves on to better interests including the lovely Romilda, who is alas in love with Arsamenes, the king’s brother. And then there’s Atalanta, Romilda’s naughty sister – she loves Arsamenes, too! These brothers and sisters might sound like a bad reality show, but they’re actually the central characters in one of the composer’s most loved operas. Today you can see them in a Houston Grand Opera presentation of Nicholas Hytner’s award-winning production of Xerxes. This version stars Susan Graham as King Xerxes – the character is often played by a woman. As “America’s favorite mezzo,” according to Gramophone magazine, Graham promises to make a mighty king! See Handel’s Xerxes at 7:30 p.m. today. Through May 14. Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas. For a full schedule, call 713-228-6737 or visit www.houstongrandopera.org. $23 to $276.
Fri., April 30; Sun., May 2; Sat., May 8; Wed., May 12; Fri., May 14, 2010
This article appears in Apr 29 – May 5, 2010.