Washington National Opera
The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me
Terrace Theater
The hit family opera returns for the holidays, based on the award-winning children’s book and featuring music from Tony®-winning composer Jeanine Tesori.
Dec. 8 - 10, 2023
Genre
Opera
Price Range
$25.00 – $49.00
Runtime
1 hour and 21 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission
WNO Season Sponsor
View Digital Program
Photo by Scott Suchman
As the first Christmas nears, who among the animals can lead Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem? Fearsome Lion and graceful Unicorn are the top contenders—though it certainly won’t be Donkey, whose only humble gift is a small but sturdy back. But with the birth of a very special king on the horizon, Donkey soon discovers that miracles can happen anywhere!
Whimsical costumes. Endearing characters. Playful music. It’s no surprise that when WNO first premiered this family-friendly opera in 2013, the Washington Post praised its “fresh energy and charm,” and tickets quickly sold out. Based on the award-winning children’s book and featuring music from Tony®-winning composer Jeanine Tesori, this heartwarming production returns for the holidays featuring a talented cast of members of our Cafritz Young Artist Program and the WNO Children’s Chorus.
Suitable and fun for all ages!
_____________________________
Music by Jeanine Tesori / Libretto by J.D. McClatchy, based on the book by Jeanette Winterson
Adapted by Sandy McClathy
In English with Projected English Titles
Composed 2013
WNO Revival
Making Of: The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me - Costumes & Puppets
A scene from WNO's The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me. Photo by Scott Suchman
A scene from WNO's The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me with Soloman Howard as Lion. Photo by Scott Suchman
A scene from WNO's The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me. photo by Scott Suchman
Aria Song (Angel) and Kresley Figueroa (Unicorn) in WNO's The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me. Photo by Scott Suchman
Justin Burgess (Donkey) in WNO's The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me. Photo by Scott Suchman
Kresley Figueroa (Unicorn) and The Children's Chorus in WNO's The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me. Photo by Scott Suchman
Come early for our Touch Cart! WNO Touch Carts allow audience members to see—and feel!—props and costume pieces to explore opera in new ways and make our productions more accessible to a variety of patrons. Touch Carts are open to all approximately one hour before the performance.
Stay after for a meet & greet! After the matinee performances (Dec. 9 at 12 p.m. & Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.) stick around to meet and greet some of the artists.
Subscribing to a Kennedy Center WNO package provides you with the Best Seats, Maximum Flexibility, and Exclusive Savings!
Group of 20 or more? Group Sales offers special terms and discounts for most performances.
Help build a rich legacy on the values of artistic excellence, engagement with a broad community, and a thriving future for the art form of opera and its audiences.
All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.
All ticket prices are subject to change based on demand. Purchase early to lock in prices and the best seats!
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