Renée Fleming to bring ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ to L.A. Opera

Renée Fleming will return to Los Angeles Opera later this season in a production of André Previn’s “A Streetcar Named Desire,” which is scheduled to run for three performances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on May 18, 21 and 24, 2014.

The production will mark the first time that Fleming has performed in an opera for the company since her 2006 role in “La Traviata.” (She has appeared in recitals for L.A. Opera in the interim.)

Fleming, who plays Blanche DuBois in the adaptation of the Tennessee Williams play, first performed in the role in 1998 at San Francisco Opera. Earlier this year she performed the opera in semi-staged versions at Carnegie Hall in New York and at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

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The production that will be seen at the Dorothy Chandler in May will be the same semi-staged version, with the performers sharing the stage with the orchestra. Bass-baritone Ryan McKinny will play Stanley Kowalski and soprano Stacey Tappan will play Stella. Tenor Anthony Dean Griffey, who originated the role of Harold “Mitch” Mitchell in 1998, will reprise the role in L.A.

Patrick Summers will conduct the performances. “Streetcar” features a libretto by Philip Littell.

Fleming said in a statement that Blanche is “always a thrilling challenge” to play. “She is an iconic character of the American stage, and as realized for the opera by my cherished friend, the brilliant composer and Hollywood legend André Previn, I think she’s compelling in new ways, for new audiences.”

Previn served as music director of the L.A. Philharmonic from 1985 to 1989.

Plácido Domingo, the general director of L.A. Opera, said in a statement that the company “has a longstanding commitment to contemporary work,” and that “Streetcar” will allow them “to expand our mainstage repertory” with a company premiere.

“Streetcar” will be part of LA Opera’s 2013-14 season, which kicks off later this month with a production of Bizet’s “Carmen.”

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National Medal of Arts going to Ellsworth Kelly, Renée Fleming