MIOpera is returning to Bloomington-Normal for Nunsense the Musical, after two years spent exploring new communities in Central Illinois.
For the Twin City-based professional opera troupe, it's a bit of a comeback.
"A comeback to Bloomington," Artistic Director Tracy Koch clarified.
Two years ago, MIOpera was looking to take its productions to the next level. They'd been producing full-length operas and musicals at Heartland Community College and signed an agreement with the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts for the 2023-24 season.
The BCPA had everything they were looking for: an orchestra pit, fly space, a beefy lighting package, stagehands, and a prime location with access to night life. But shortly after putting on The Pirates of Penzance, the deal was dead.
In short, Koch said, it just wasn't working.
"We realized it would be easier not to have a home venue but actually be more portable," she said in an interview for WGLT's Sound Ideas. "Many of the classical organizations have two home bases. Example: the Illinois Symphony. It helps them thrive and survive. As I was looking at their model, I thought that was something MIOpera should be doing."
The board of directors regrouped and the company began branching out. Last summer, a joint production of Dido and Aeneas with Central Illinois Ballet in Peoria sold out. Salon performances in Peoria and Eureka did equally well.
"We decided to broaden our horizons and we did that by broadening our patron base," Koch said. "I think we're discovering a niche within the larger area — testing the waters in different communities and seeing how we can reach those that are really interested in what we have to offer."
Nunsense, running July 18-20 at First United Methodist Church of Normal, kicks off a summer series collectively called Opera Goes to Church.
"I wanted to start with Nunsense in the Opera Goes to Church series because we need a little laugh," Koch said. "We need some humor, and we need to not take ourselves so seriously.
Adapted from the 1985 musical comedy with book, lyrics and music by Dan Goggin, Nunsense follows the shenanigans of a group of unlucky nuns who have found themselves as the last remaining members of their convent.
"So, I'm like, this will be a great start to come back into Bloomington with something on a high note," said Koch.
In August, MIOpera will perform Puccini's Sour Angelica at the same venue — a highly dramatic classical opera, coincidentally, also set in a convent.
"We're having these yin and yang productions," Koch said.
Capping the series, a set of salons in various community churches will highlight opera and musical theater standards with a church connection. And singers also will perform July 28 as part of Illinois State University's Concerts on the Quad.
"And then we're already planning out a music series, Music at the Sanctuary, at First United Methodist Church, which has been so supportive for the last five years since we've became a nonprofit," Koch said.
Koch said it's been a blast hosting a bunch of dancing nuns at her home church—a Methodist congregation.
"There was one afternoon the pastor came in, we were doing our final dress rehearsal and he was like, 'Oh! Hello sisters,'" she said.
Koch wanted to maintain the feel of a full-scale production, including a live orchestra, lights and costumes.
"But the venue is the set," she said. "It's a totally interactive production. We're going to have donuts and coffee like you would have on a Sunday morning at church. Donation bins will be passed around."
Koch said she "really wanted to do something for the community that was fun." But as they continue branching out to other markets, whether Bloomington-Normal is still MIOpera's "home" remains to be seen.
“MIOpera will always consider Bloomington-Normal as a great starting point. But now that it’s portable, if we decide to change areas, it can come with us,” Koch said.
To be clear, Koch and her husband John, who teaches voice at Illinois State University, still live in Bloomington-Normal.
"We're members of this community," Koch said. "But I keep saying Central Illinois is our home because I feel like if I just say Bloomington-Normal, it’s very limiting,” Koch said. “I feel like audience members—when we limit the productions—they're turned off. MIOpera is a regional company now, not just a Bloomington-Normal staple. That's where we want to go."
Nunsense runs July 18-20 at First United Methodist Church of Normal, 211 N. School St. Tickets are $25 at the door or online at miopera.net.
