A Masked Ball

Opera in the Pines presents A Masked Ball, an immersive reimagining of Giuseppe Verdi’s thrilling masterpiece Un Ballo in Maschera, set within the storied walls of the historic Maine State Building in Poland, Maine. Reframed in 1895, the year the building was dedicated in its new Maine home, this production transforms the landmark into the lavish residence of the Governor of Boston, where guests gather for an opulent evening steeped in intrigue, romance, and fate.

Originally premiered in 1859, Un Ballo in Maschera is one of Giuseppe Verdi’s most dramatic and politically charged operas. Inspired by the real-life assassination of King Gustav III of Sweden, who was fatally shot while attending a masked ball in 1792, the opera blends historical fact with dramatic intensity. Originally conceived as Gustavo III, set in Sweden, the work was repeatedly altered by censors uneasy with the onstage depiction of a ruler’s assassination. Through a series of revisions and relocations, Verdi ultimately reset the story in colonial-era Boston, transforming the king into a governor and shifting the drama to an American context.

As our audience members arrive as invited guests to the ball, the drama is already unfolding all around them. Characters mingle through the rooms, secrets simmer beneath elegant disguises, and Verdi’s soaring music animates the building’s architecture and natural acoustics. Filtered through a distinctly New England lens, A Masked Ball invites audiences to step inside history, don a mask, and witness a timeless story of love, loyalty, and betrayal.

This production also serves as a tribute to the late Ellen Chickering, a beloved Maine soprano and educator whose influence shaped generations of Maine singers. Featuring a cast and creative team drawn from her former students and collaborators, A Masked Ball celebrates her mentorship, legacy, and the enduring impact of Maine artists on the national operatic landscape.

We highly encourage early ticket reservations. This venue has an extremely limited seating capacity.

Performance: The performance will be 90 minutes, performed without intermission, and sung in English with English supertitles.

This production is supported in part by grants from the Onion Foundation, the Davis Family Foundation, and the Gwendolen Elwell Flanagan Foundation.

General Notes:

• This is a 21+ event. Each guest will receive either a glass of prosecco or a non-alcoholic sparkling option on arrival.
• Doors open with an immersive pre-show at 6:30 PM.
• All seating is general admission and first come, first served.
• The Maine State Building is ADA accessible.
• Please be advised that this is a non-traditional performance venue. You may experience restricted sightlines and alternative seating options.
• A mask is required for entry and must be worn at all times. Guests are encouraged to wear their own masquerade mask, covering the eyes and upper cheeks. If you don’t have one, we’ll provide a complimentary mask on arrival.
• Due to the immersive nature of this production, there is absolutely no late seating.
• The Maine State Building is a registered historic landmark, and like many buildings of its era, it was constructed long before modern heating or insulation. As April evenings in Maine can be unpredictable, we encourage you to dress with both elegance and warmth in mind. Bring an extra layer, wrap, or blanket to stay comfortable throughout the evening.
• What happens at the Maine State Building, stays at the Maine State Building. We ask for no personal photography or videography of any kind during the performance. There will be a designated space at the end of the evening where you will be able to capture memories.
• You will receive a password 24 hours prior to entry to give at the door, along with your name. No physical tickets will be issued.

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