JOHN RIDDLE Joins SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at 2025 GLIMMERGLASS FESTIVAL

Every summer, music and theatre lovers converge upon the rolling hills of Cooperstown, New York, to experience the Glimmerglass Festival’s vibrant blend of opera, musicals, and innovative new works. In 2025, this beloved festival will mark a monumental milestone—its 50th anniversary—with a line-up celebrating both classic pieces and groundbreaking premieres. Whether you’re a devoted fan of Stephen Sondheim, a Puccini enthusiast, or curious about a world premiere adaptation of a modern literary gem, this year’s offerings promise to make Glimmerglass the cultural epicentre of your summer. In a special twist, Broadway superstar Bernadette Peters will drop by for a one-night-only concert, signalling that these festivities will be as starry as they are artistically rich. If you’re keen on planning a summer cultural getaway, keep reading: the 2025 Glimmerglass season might well be your perfect destination.

A Grand Return For SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE

One of the season’s most eagerly anticipated events is the Glimmerglass debut of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. Taking on the role of George is John Riddle (from Broadway’s Frozenand off-Broadway’s Titanique), while Marina Pires steps into the dual roles of Dot and Marie. Fans of the show will recall that Dot and Marie were originally played on Broadway by none other than Bernadette Peters, who will also be in Cooperstown this season for a gala concert on 31 July. When Riddle and Pires head into that iconic second-act reunion scene, we can only imagine the buzz in the theatre, especially knowing the legendary performer who created the role is somewhere nearby on site.

Mezzo-soprano Luretta Bybee, serving as one of the Festival’s Artists-in-Residence, tackles the roles of the Old Lady and Blair Daniels, adding an operatic flourish to Sondheim’s beloved score. The production will be led by Ethan Heard, with scenic design by John Conklin, costumes by Beth Goldenberg, lighting by Amith Chandrashaker, projections by Greg Emetaz, and hair and make-up by Tom Watson.

It’s not the first time Sondheim has been celebrated at Glimmerglass: the Festival staged Sweeney Todd in 2016 and West Side Story in 2018 (featuring Sondheim’s iconic lyrics). But the choice to present Sunday in the Park with George, with its intimate portrayal of an artist’s need to create, feels especially resonant for a 50th anniversary. After all, the show itself is a meditation on legacy, art, and the passing of time—perfect themes for a festival looking back on half a century of accomplishments.

THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET

Opera fans with an eye for contemporary work will be thrilled to discover that Glimmerglass has commissioned a world premiere production of THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET, adapted from the famed novel by Sandra Cisneros. An enduring favourite in classrooms, Cisneros’s story about a young girl named Esperanza finding her voice on Chicago’s rough streets has been studied for its poetic style, feminist undertones, and culturally rich portrayal of Latinx life. Now, it’s becoming a new opera with both the libretto and the source text penned by Cisneros, in collaboration with composer Derek Bermel.

Rising star Mikaela Bennett will take on the lead role of Esperanza, surrounded by a cast that includes Samantha Sosa, Kaylan Hernandes, Taylor-Alexis DuPont, Sarah Rosales, Tshilidzi Ndou, Sergio Martínez, and Deborah Nansteel. Conductor Nicole Paiement brings her trademark precision to the pit, while director Chía Patiño sets the tone on stage. Expect a richly layered production that blends the personal and political—an approach that’s become increasingly popular in modern opera. Indeed, the Glimmerglass Festival has consistently fostered new works that push boundaries, demonstrating to sceptics that opera remains a living, evolving art form.

Classic Drama With TOSCA

Though the festival promises innovation, there’s still room for tradition, and few titles embody operatic passion and grandeur quite like Giacomo Puccini’s TOSCA. Soprano Michelle Bradley takes on the role of the fiery diva Floria Tosca, a part that demands vocal prowess and dramatic range. Bradley’s performances in leading houses worldwide have earned her praise for shimmering vocal lines and an emotive stage presence—qualities that should fit TOSCA to a T.

Opposite Bradley is tenor Yongzhao Yu as Cavaradossi, with bass-baritone Greer Grimsley—another Festival Artist-in-Residence—taking on the villainous Baron Scarpia. Director Louisa Proske has the reins, while Joseph Colanericonducts the orchestra and the Festival’s esteemed Young Artists, who often shine in supporting roles. In a season packed with diverse offerings, TOSCA serves as a reliable bastion of heart-stopping arias and sumptuous Romantic melodies, an anchor that will likely draw in the faithful opera aficionados who relish the classics.

A Faustian Tale

Stravinsky’s THE RAKE’S PROGRESS might not be as well-known as TOSCA, but it’s equally deserving of attention. Tenor Adrian Kramer appears as Tom Rakewell, an impressionable young man led astray by Nick Shadow—a devilish character played by baritone Aleksey Bogdanov. With a libretto by W.H. Auden and Chester Kallman, the piece offers a 20th-century spin on the age-old Faust myth, melding cunning wit with philosophical undertones. It’s a challenging work, given Stravinsky’s sometimes angular score and the rapid-fire shifts in tone, but under the direction of Eric Sean Fogel, audiences can anticipate a visually striking and emotionally compelling staging.

Soprano Lydia Grindatto, mezzo-soprano Deborah Nansteel, and bass Marc Webster round out a top-tier principal cast. For those who appreciate a story that’s both darkly comedic and morally provocative, THE RAKE’S PROGRESS could be one of the season’s sleepers. Expect modern touches in the design and direction, as this piece has always allowed space for contemporary commentary on greed, temptation, and the price of one’s soul.

A Family Favourite: ODYSSEY

Lest younger audiences feel left out, the festival wraps up with ODYSSEY, a one-hour adaptation of Homer’s epic by Ben Moore (music) and Kelley Rourke (libretto), directed by the festival’s Artistic Director Emeritus Francesca Zambello. Baritone Justin Burgess and soprano Kaileigh Riess, both from the Festival’s Young Artist Program, star in this accessible retelling. Glimmerglass has a tradition of offering shorter, family-friendly productions to spark an early interest in opera and theatre. ODYSSEY aims to do exactly that—bringing to life Odysseus’s high-seas escapades while ensuring younger viewers remain enthralled.

Parents looking for a summertime cultural activity can rest assured that ODYSSEY will provide an epic journey minus the three-hour runtime of more grown-up operas. It also points to the festival’s broader mission of cultivating future talent by giving Young Artists centre stage in a professional, high-stakes environment.

Beyond The MainStage

While the five main productions form the heart of the 50th anniversary season, Glimmerglass has long embraced a festival atmosphere—complete with special events, lectures, and communal gatherings. This year is no exception. Theatre icon Bernadette Peters will appear for a one-night concert on 31 July, an event certain to sell out quickly given her star power and extensive fan base. Other highlights include a “Pipeline Talk” with composer Derek Bermel and writer Sandra Cisneros, where they’ll discuss the creative process behind THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET.

Festival Dinners, Preview Brunches, and free lunchtime concerts offered across Otsego County ensure that the surrounding community can also get in on the act, whether they buy a mainstage ticket or not. It’s these sorts of add-ons that make the Glimmerglass experience so memorable. According to data from the National Endowment for the Arts, smaller communities benefit greatly from cultural institutions that engage locals and visitors alike. Glimmerglass, nestled in a region already famous for the Baseball Hall of Fame, capitalises on its scenic setting to create an artistic “oasis” during the summer months.

Emphasis On Artist-In-Residence Programmes

A distinctive element of the Glimmerglass Festival is the way it integrates renowned performers and mentors—like Luretta Bybee and Greer Grimsley—into its Artist-in-Residence initiative. This programme allows established talents to work closely with the Festival’s young artists, providing them invaluable professional insight and hands-on guidance. For those who appreciate seeing fresh faces blossom under expert tutelage, it’s a hallmark of Glimmerglass’s dedication to the sustainability of opera and musical theatre. There’s also a sense of continuity in how these seasoned stars move seamlessly from role to role (like Bybee, set to appear in Sunday in the Park with George) while investing in the festival’s future generations.

Shining Bright For Fifty Years

Glimmerglass has spent half a century proving that smaller cities can command major cultural clout. The festival’s willingness to blend legacy titles (TOSCA, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE) with avant-garde programming (THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET) is a testament to its evolving artistic vision. The presence of Bernadette Peters is just icing on the anniversary cake—her cameo highlighting the confluence of star power and community spirit that defines Glimmerglass at its best.

As the festival marks its 50th birthday, it’s evident that it isn’t content to rest on past glories. With a season that balances beloved classics and fresh collaborations, Glimmerglass demonstrates a commitment to both tradition and forward-thinking artistry—ensuring that opera and musical theatre remain vibrant and relevant. Whether you’re eager to see John Riddle in a new Sondheim role, intrigued by Sandra Cisneros’s leap into opera, or simply craving an unforgettable summer experience, 2025 at Glimmerglass promises a memorable adventure. After all, in the land of Cooperstown—home to baseball legends—there’s more than one way to witness a grand slam.