­On Saturday, Nov. 21, Cincinnati Opera will present the spectaculaire 2009 Opera Ball, the Bal du Moulin Rouge, a French-themed black-tie affair honoring longtime Cincinnati Opera benefactors Cathy and Tom Crain.

Inspired by Cincinnati Opera’s presentation of Puccini’s La Bohème in 2010, the Bal du Moulin Rouge will transport guests from the Music Hall Ballroom to the glamorous and romantic Moulin Rouge. Swaths of red, purple, and orange, glittering lights, and entertaining surprises throughout the evening will evoke the legendary Parisian cabaret.

The evening begins with sparkling cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a decadent French dinner created by Funky’s Catering. Singer/actress Naomi Emmerson takes the stage to perform as the celebrated French chanteuse, Edith Piaf. Dinner and entertainment will be followed by dancing into the night.

An online auction will also generate proceeds to support the Bal du Moulin Rouge. Items include a Chanel purse (donated by Saks Fifth Avenue), one-of-a-kind jewelry, artwork, and other luxury goods and services. Bidding opens Nov. 2 on Cincinnati Opera’s website, www.cincinnatiopera.org.

At 10:30 p.m., the room will transform into a Parisian nightclub as the Late Night at the Moulin Rouge after-party begins. Young professionals are invited to enjoy cocktails, a late night buffet, and a DJ-spun dance floor.

Cincinnati Opera’s annual Opera Ball is its largest annual fundraiser, generating essential support for the company’s 90th Anniversary Summer Festival in 2010.

Music Hall Ballroom
6:00 p.m. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment
7:30 p.m. Dinner and performance by Naomi Emmerson
10:30 p.m.–2:00 a.m. “Late Night at the Moulin Rouge” with buffet (young professionals invited)

Tickets for the Opera Ball
Individual tickets begin at $250 (a portion of which is tax-deductible), in addition to Host & Hostess levels at $300 and $500; all three levels include the Opera Ball dinner, Naomi Emmerson’s performance, post-concert entertainment and dancing, and a late night buffet. Corporate and individual table sponsorships are available at both $3,000 and $5,000.

Tickets for the Late Night at the Moulin Rouge
Enter a world of spectacle and seduction, whimsy and illusion as you give in to the allure of Late Night at Moulin Rouge! Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. Ticket price includes music by Sebastian B, dancing, and a late night buffet.  Buy your Late Night Tickets online now!

Ordering and Sponsorship Information
Please contact Christine Reed at (513) 768-5520 or creed@cincinnatiopera.org.

Opera Ball Event Co-Chairs
Mona Kerstine, Ruthann Sammarco, Anne Zaring

Late Night at the Moulin Rouge Co-Chairs
Tracey Conrad, Phoebe Pardo, Heather Vecellio, Maggie Ungers

About Naomi Emmerson
Naomi Emmerson, who has been called “a theatrical force to be reckoned with” (www.nytheatre.com), has been working steadily in theater and television for the past 15 years. Born in Montreal and an art/music graduate of Concordia University, she began her singing career performing simultaneously with punk/pop band “Sons of the Desert” and in the Montreal Symphony Orchestra under Charles Dutoit. She originated the role of Joan of Arc in Jeanne: The Joan of Arc Musical Drama (Saidye Bronfman Center) and toured Quebec with Robert Marien in the bilingual production Broadway Montreal. She played opposite Renee Lee in Nunsense II at the The Centaur Theater. Other work while living in Toronto includes: The Crimson Veil (The Factory Theater); Colors in the Story (Theatre Aquarius); Dads!: The Musical (Lighthouse/Victoria Playhouse); Cowgirls (Georgian Theatre Fest.); Nunsense (Tour); Cheatin’ Hearts (Victoria Playhouse); workshops for both The Mirvishes (Peggy Sue Got Married) and CanStage (Moll by Leslie Arden); and Nearby/Faraway (American Opera Projects). She was Gracie in Eaton’s “Aubergine” campaign and appeared with Matthew Broderick in Walt Disney’s The Music Man, where she lent her voice to the cast recording. Other film and TV credits include: The Tuxedo, Blizzard, The Man Who Saved Christmas, Monk and St. Ralph. She has appeared in many commercials, and has added her voice to Sailor Moon and other animation and commercial projects. Ms. Emmerson lives in Brooklyn with her husband, jazz recording artist, Jake Langley.