VLOC Announces 2025-2026 Season of Operetta and Opera in Rockville
A vibrant lineup of comedy, romance, and Victorian flair awaits audiences at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre.
The Washington Lyric Opera Company (VLOC) unveiled its 2025-2026 season, promising a captivating blend of operetta and opera performances at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville. Ticket bundles are currently available for purchase, offering access to a season brimming with wit and unforgettable musical experiences.
A Double Bill of Victorian Delight: The Zoo / Trial by Jury
The season kicks off September 5-7, 2025, with a concert double bill featuring Arthur Sullivan and B.C. Stephenson’s The Zoo and Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial By Jury. The Zoo presents a series of romantic entanglements unfolding within the confines of a zoo, complete with a nobleman’s disguise and a near-disastrous suicide attempt. Trial By Jury, meanwhile, is described as a “sharply satirical courtroom romp” where a bride seeks justice against her unfaithful fiancé, only to discover the absurdity of the legal system. According to a company release, the double bill is “packed with catchy melodies, clever lyrics, and madcap plots,” guaranteeing an evening of fast-paced entertainment.
Celebrating Strauss’s Bicentennial with Concert and Gala
October 17-19, 2025, will be dedicated to celebrating the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss, Jr. with a sparkling weekend of music and glamour. The performances will feature selections from beloved works such as The Bat, The Gypsy Baron, and A Night in Venice. Each evening offers a unique experience: Friday will include pre-concert insights, Sunday a family-friendly waltz workshop, and Saturday a spectacular gala featuring Viennese treats and live music. “Don’t miss this rare chance to revel in Strauss’s timeless magic,” a senior official stated.
The Elixir of Love Reimagined for a New Audience
February 27 – March 8, 2026, audiences can experience Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love in a fresh, Victorian-inspired production. The opera, set on a charming English countryside estate, will be reimagined with the wit and whimsy of a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta. The production promises eccentric characters, heartfelt romance, and surprising new roles inspired by W.S. Gilbert’s own work. One analyst noted that this reimagining aims to blend “bel canto beauty and theatrical fun.”
A Modern Twist on Patience
Closing the season, from June 5 – 14, 2026, is a modern take on Gilbert and Sullivan’s Patience. This playful production reimagines the character of Patience as a barista in a mid-twentieth-century university coffee shop, navigating the “whirlwind of the Aesthetic craze” and the affections of lovesick poets and cricket players. The production promises a vibrant and relatable experience, filled with witty satire, charming humor, and a mix of fashion, love, and comedic confusion.
A full season subscription to VLOC provides access to all performances for a price comparable to the cost of a movie ticket, along with additional benefits. For more information and to purchase a subscription, interested patrons are encouraged to visit the VLOC website.
