We build operas over the course of a few years! In that time, dozens of creatives work on costuming, lighting effects, historical juxtapositions and casting. For each mainstage production, we offer Versed experiences: behind-the-scenes deep dives designed for the Milwaukee community (and now, thanks to the magic of the internet, for opera fans everywhere). Hear from stage directors, conductors, artists, designers, and more!

Our Versed series is now virtual! Explore our video library and experience the artistry from wherever you are.

Tales of Hoffmann Versed with Maggey Oplinger

In our latest Versed feature, General Director and CEO, Maggey Oplinger, dives into the magic happening on stage. From the vision of the stage director to the raw talent of the performers, she breaks down exactly what to listen for and shares her personal favorite moments from the production.

Don Giovanni Versed with Stage Director Rebecca Herman

Why does Don Giovanni make your skin crawl even as he smiles? Director Rebecca Herman dives into the danger beneath his charm—and how a fractured community finds strength again.

Don Giovanni Versed with Maestro Francesco Milioto

What does Mozart actually sound like in Don Giovanni? Lucky for you—our Music Director Francesco Milioto is here to help. He’ll break down Don Giovanni in a way that only a maestro can.

Don Giovanni Versed with Maggey Oplinger

Florentine Opera’s General Director and CEO, Maggey Oplinger, dives into why Don Giovanni is the ultimate fit for our “Villains” season. From her favorite moments of Mozart’s witty, swashbuckling score to the cast members she can’t wait for you to meet, Maggey shares all the reasons it’s so satisfying to watch opera’s most famous womanizer finally get what he deserves.

Don Giovanni Versed: Murder board meets Mozart

A crime board, too many characters, and our Studio Artists trying to explain Don Giovanni. Does it make sense? Absolutely not. Do you want to watch? Absolutely yes.

Versed: Scalia/Ginsburg with Conductor Robert Mollicone

This one’s for the opera nerds. In this Versed episode, conductor Robert Mollicone shares how he brings Derrick Wang’s score off the ink and into people’s ears. He talks about treating new works with the same reverence as the classics—shaping phrasing, pacing, and color with care. It’s a thoughtful look at how a modern opera gets the full maestro treatment.

Versed: Scalia/Ginsburg with the Cast

In this Versed episode, the full cast of Scalia/Ginsburg—both RBGs, Justice Scalia, and the all-seeing Commentator—sit down to talk about the real-life friendship behind the opera, what it’s like to sing these larger-than-life roles, and what you can expect to hear when the gavel drops. Bonus trivia: both Justices actually saw this opera themselves. (No pressure.)

Versed: Scalia/Ginsburg with Dr. Eric McEnaney

In this episode of Versed, principal coach and pianist Dr. Eric McEnaney takes us on a musical tour of Scalia/Ginsburg—from Handel to Puccini and so many more. Sitting at the piano, he breaks down the many musical influences woven into Derrick Wang’s score and plays examples of what you’ll hear in the show. If you’ve ever wondered what it sounds like when a Supreme Court opinion meets a Puccini aria, this is your moment.

Versed: Scalia/Ginsburg with Stage Director Doug Clemons

In this digital edition of Versed, stage director Doug Clemons gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Scalia/Ginsburg. He walks through the plot, shares insight into the real-life friendship between Justices Scalia and Ginsburg, and teases what kind of theatrical mayhem (and unexpected heart) you can expect. It’s your chance to get “versed” on the show—from the director’s chair.

Don Giovanni Cast - What am I going to hear?

A villain this good needs voices this great. Our Don Giovanni cast brings the charm, the fire, and just the right amount of trouble.