Fort Worth Opera’s Zorro

Justice is spelled with a Z! Don't miss composer-librettist Héctor Armienta's swashbuckling new opera, filled with romance, danger, and sword fighting suspense at the historic Rose Marine Theater. The nationally acclaimed artist discusses the inspiration for adapting this pop-cultural icon into an opera, his creative process for bringing his compositions to life, and what audiences will take away from experiencing this exciting world premiere.

Based upon the popular pulp fiction novels of prolific pulp writer Johnston McCulley, this thrilling adventure is filled with romance, danger, sword-fighting suspense, and sweeping melodies. Zorro is performed in English and Spanish with Spanish and English supertitles. Running time is approximately 80 minutes with no intermission. Note the COVID safety protocols.

Performance dates:
Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 7pm
Friday, Jan. 28 at 7pm
Sunday, Jan. 30 at 4pm

The 2021-2022 season marks the fourth year of Noches de Ópera, Fort Worth Opera's celebration of Spanish-language operas and Latino(a) culture, heritage, and artistry. Following 2017’s Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, 2018’s María de Buenos Aires, and the world’s second mariachi opera, El Pasado Nunca se Termina, the company will premiere composer-librettist Héctor Armienta’s masked avenger opera, Zorro, in January of 2022. Originally slated to take the stage during the company’s 2020 Festival, Zorro rides again next season with three performances at the Rose Marine Theater in the heart of Fort Worth’s historic Northside.​

Based upon the popular pulp fiction novels of prolific American pulp writer Johnston McCulley, this explosive new work is filled with romance, danger, and sword-fighting suspense. Led by visionary stage director Octavio Cardenas (Silent Night, 2014 FWO Festival; Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World, 2019), Zorro’s cast stars tenor César Delgado as Zorro/Diego de la Vega, mezzo-soprano Kirstin Chávez as the beguiling daughter of the Governor, Carlotta de Obragón, the passionate Ana Maria (soprano Gabriella Enríquez), and baritone Octavio Moreno (Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, El Pasado Nunca se Termina, 2017, 2019 FWO Festival) as the tyrannical Géneral Moncada.​

The stellar cast also stars mezzo-soprano Bridget Cappel (former FWO Lesley Resident Artist) as the wise Toypurina, baritone Brandon Bell (21/22 FWO Lesley Resident Artist) as Moncada’s hapless aide Sergeant José Maria Gomez, and lyric soprano Gabrielle Gilliam as Diego’s lovelorn servant Luisa. In addition, FWO Head of Music and Music Director for the Children’s Opera Theatre, Dr. Charlene Lotz, will accompany the artists at the piano with fiery flamenco flourishes from American virtuoso guitarist Christopher McGuire, President and Artistic Director of the Fort Worth Classic Guitar Society. This swashbuckling adventure, featuring one of pop culture’s most iconic vigilantes, will thrill audiences of all ages.