The Portland Opera presents Dvorak’s “Rusalka” at 7:30 p.m. April 22 and 28 and at 2 p.m. April 30 at Portland’s Keller Auditorium. Tickets are $35 to $293 at portland5.com/keller-auditorium/events/rusalka.
In this centuries-old lyrical folktale with roots in Slavic mythology, a mermaid falls in love with a prince. With the help of the moon and a witch, she defies her father’s advice—giving up her home and voice to win the prince’s love on dry land. When it doesn’t go as planned, the regretful prince seeks redemption, and heartbreak reigns in the land of true love. Even though there are mermaids, witches, princes and water goblins, it isn’t the happily ever after you might expect, and the opera is best for ages 13 and older. However, mermaid, witch, and other magical attire is recommended for attendees of all ages. The opera is sung in Czech with English captions.