Operatini
Step into the world of Operatinis for a magical dinner theater evening! These captivating events showcase the exceptional talent found throughout the Treasure Valley and beyond, sometimes featuring the talented visiting artists appearing in our mainstage productions. These extraordinary performers will serenade you with cherished pieces from the world of musical theatre, opera, jazz, and more, all while you enjoy a delectable buffet dinner specially crafted to reflect the theme of the evening.
Operatinis blend the elegance of opera with the allure of a martini. Originally featuring a unique martini inspired by each production, we have now expanded our horizons to include a variety of delicious cocktails that perfectly capture each theme. Ideal for those new to opera or not quite ready for a full-length production, Operatinis provide a charming and accessible introduction to the world of opera.
History
Before Operatinis, a series of delightful events was initiated by then Executive Director Julie Kilgrow. The first such event, “Bellini, Puccini Martini,” was an exclusive gathering at The Arid Club during the 2006-2007 season. These events evolved through various names, including “Puccini Martini Blast” from 2008 through early 2011, and “Donizetti Down and Dirty” in spring 2011.
In 2009, when Mark Junkert took over as Executive Director (renamed General Director in 2011), these events became ticketed and open to the public. They took place a week before a mainstage production, featuring cast members performing their favorite operatic pieces while guests enjoyed heavy appetizers, providing patrons with an intimate experience.
On Wednesday, September 28, 2011, the event was officially renamed Operatini, a fitting portmanteau as a martini was always featured alongside opera performances. The inaugural Operatini, themed “The British Are Coming,” was a delightful gathering at Le Café de Paris in downtown Boise, featuring the cast from The Pirates of Penzance. Following a sold-out event at the restaurant, subsequent Operatinis moved to Beside Bardenay. The cocktail-style seating and open floor plan allowed more opera lovers to enjoy these events, but as Operatinis grew in popularity, the need for a larger venue became apparent.
On February 5, 2015, The Sapphire Room at The Riverside Hotel became the primary home for Operatinis. This move enriched the event with a full dinner buffet and signature cocktails. The events began to feature various musical styles, including musical theater, jazz, and pop songs. Initially, there was only one performance per night. However, due to soaring popularity and a growing fanbase, a second performance was added to accommodate all our enthusiastic guests. We also introduced events that were not tied to productions, showcasing talented local artists from the Treasure Valley.
With our new General Director Stacey Trenteseaux, we’re expanding Operatinis further. This season, we will not only highlight artists from the Treasure Valley, but from all of Idaho and beyond. In May 2025, guest soprano Kirstin Chavez will perform “Carmen Inside Out,” a one-woman tour de force based on Bizet’s Carmen, as part of our Operatini series.
Every opera deserves to be celebrated and what better way to do so than with a finely crafted martini? This is your chance to experience opera in a relaxed setting with great food and a specially designed martini based on the theme.
