Amato Opera Theatre

Frommer's Review

This cozy, off-the-beaten-track venue functions as a showcase for talented young American singers. The intimate 100-plus-seat house celebrates its 60th season in 2007 amid a rising reputation and increasing ticket sales. The staple is full productions of Italian classics -- Verdi's La Traviata, Puccini's Madame Butterfly, Bizet's Carmen, with an occasional Mozart tossed in -- at great prices for regular performances ($30, $25 for seniors and kids). Performances, usually held on Saturday and Sunday, now regularly sell out, so it's a good idea to reserve 3 weeks in advance.

Note for adults: On one Saturday a month, "Opera in Brief" offers fully costumed, kid-length versions of the classics interwoven with narration so chaperones have a palatable forum in which to introduce the little ones to opera. At $15 or so per ticket, these matinee performances are wallet-friendly, too.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.