Romanza Festivale: First Coast Opera presents "Bon Appetit!"

The Romanza Festivale and First Coast Opera present a free concert featuring Soprano Avery Boettcher and First Coast Opera's Director, Curtis Tucker, on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., at the Ancient City Baptist Church. Their performance will be followed by a staged version of the 18-minute opera, "Bon Appetit!" featuring soprano Robyn Marie Lamp as Julia Child.

Avery Boettchere has performed with Gulfshore Opera, Vero Beach Opera, and the Panama City Orchestra. She is a graduate of both Indian University and the University of Wisconsin. Curtis Tucker, producer, director, and singer, has been the artistic director of First Coast Opera for the past 9 years. This is an encore performance from First Coast Opera's most recent season.

Also an encore performance, the 18-minute "Bon Appetit!" was composed by Lee Holby. The lyrics are attributed to Julia Child via adaptation by lyricist Mark Shulgasser. This comic opera was originally written for television and stage icon Jean Stapleton, and was used for a number of years as a curtain-raiser prior to performance of the Italian Lesson. Appearing as Julia Child for this performance, soprano Robyn Marie Lamp will be accompanied by Thomas Rogers on the Steinway Grand Piano.

Admission: Free

When: Wednesday, May 10, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Ancient City Baptist Church, 27 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine

This event is part of the Romanza Festivale of Music and the Arts, an annual festival consisting of two weeks of historical, cultural and creative events celebrating all things St. Augustine. From April 28 - May 14, 2023, the nation's oldest city will be jam-packed with music and dance concerts, living history events and historical tours, live theater and art exhibits. To find out more about the full two weeks of events, visit here.