Blue Starlite Drive-In Series

Austin Opera launches a new partnership of its Opera ATX initiative with the Blue Starlite Drive-In to present a series of operas and original concerts filmed especially for the screen. The series begins in October—full programming details will be announced shortly—and features the world premiere screening of Winter Journey, the Opera ATX production that was originally scheduled for live performances at the Austin Central Library in April 2020. Winter Journey will be filmed this fall at Austin Opera’s Indy Terrace rehearsal studio in collaboration with local technology firm Subvrsive. Also included in the Drive-In series is a new production in partnership with Madison Opera of Poulenc’s La voix humaine, starring Karen Slack (Aida 2015) and directed by Fenlon Lamb; and a 60-minute concert with the married duo of soprano Lauren Snouffer and baritone Mark Diamond, who are proud Central Texans. The Snouffer/Diamond recital will be recorded in September at the Long Center.

The Blue Starlite Drive-In, with locations in East Austin and Round Rock, opened in 2010 and is the world’s first and only urban boutique drive-in movie theater. This intimate, one-of-a-kind venue is the passion project of owner Josh Frank. When approached by Burridge with the need to innovate opera programming for the fall and provide unique experiences to Austin Opera’s loyal fans, Frank thought the company was a natural partner for his screens. As it happens, Frank’s mother was an opera singer who studied with Walter Ducloux at the University of Texas and performed with Houston Grand Opera.

“Blue Starlite and Austin Opera are both striving to provide discerning Austin audiences with a unique communal live experience,” says Frank. “I’m excited to add opera to the rich mix of programming here at the Blue Starlite.”

The new opera-on-film series at the Blue Starlite Drive-In will include subscriber and patron screenings, as well as offerings for the general public. Titles in the Drive-In series will be made available for at-home viewing later in the season.