Said to probably be the first Jules Massenet opera performed in Orange County, LA Opera's production of Thais at the Segerstrom Center is as equally probable to be the best thing to entertain yourself with this Tuesday night (set your DVR for Real Housewives of New York). And it follows our favorite operatic theme: a fearless, seductive woman (the title character, Thaïs) loves to raise hell and break hearts—until one well-meaning man (monk Athanaël ) tries to tame her, hoping to save her soul. Will her wildfire dim under this guidance? Or will Athanaël crumble under her influence, reduced to a morally compromised wreck? We won't spoil it for you. Led by the awe-inspiring voices of soprano Nino Machaidze and LA Opera General Director (and baritone) Plácido Domingo, Thaïs is classic drama and scandal—not that scripted dribble we froth over in from of our television sets. Treat yourself.
Tue., May 27, 7:30 p.m., 2014
