February 18, 2005

What: ''The Girl of the Golden West/La Fanciulla del West,'' follows the good-hearted Minnie as she ministers to miners, fights off the unwelcome attentions of the villainous Sheriff Jack Rance and finds true love with bandit Dick Johnson.

The Western-themed opera features singers William Parcher, Drew Slatton and Patricia Stevens in the principal roles.

When: 8 p.m. tonight, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Where: Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St.

Tickets: Tonight only: $5-$50. The $50 patron seats include admission to the party immediately following the Friday performance at LeMusee Imaginaire, 1060 N. 2nd St. Sunday and Tuesday: $5-$35. Tickets available at the Paramount from 1 to 5 p.m. weekdays or by calling 676-0648. For more information or early reservations, call 676-7372.

Director: Ron Luchsinger.

Music conductor: Denis Segond.

What else is going on: ''Girl'' marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Abilene Opera Association. The AOA dedicates this year's opera to the late Troy LaGrone, longtime supporter of the organization.

Winnie Klotz, who served as the official photographer of the Metropolitan Opera for 27 years, will show slides and lecture on ''The Magical World of the Grand Opera: How it Happens, a Backstage Tour of the Metropolitan Opera'' at 5 p.m. Saturday at Jody Klotz Fine Art/Le Musee Imaginaire, 1060 N. 2nd St.

What our critic said: To be reviewed in Saturday's newspaper.

- Janet Van Vleet

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