Watch Moby Dick In New York

In March 2025, the Metropolitan Opera will host a series of performances of Jake Heggie’s acclaimed opera, Moby-Dick, in New York. This production marks Heggie’s return to the Met following the success of his first opera, Dead Man Walking.

Based on Herman Melville’s classic novel, Moby-Dick is a gripping tale of obsession and revenge set on the high seas. The opera features a stellar cast, including tenor Brandon Jovanovich as Captain Ahab, tenor Stephen Costello as Greenhorn, baritone Peter Mattei as Starbuck, and bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green as Queequeg. Under the direction of Leonard Foglia and the baton of Maestro Karen Kamensek, this production promises to be a visually and musically stunning experience.

Get your Moby Dick tickets in NYC without delay so you don’t miss this limited-time production.

Story Overview

Moby-Dick shows in New York follow the journey of the whaling ship Pequod, commanded by the fanatical Captain Ahab. Ahab is consumed by his desire to exact revenge on Moby Dick, the great white whale that had previously maimed him. The story is narrated by Greenhorn, a young sailor who represents Ishmael from Melville’s novel. As the Pequod sails across the oceans, the crew encounters various challenges and adventures, each bringing them closer to their fateful encounter with Moby Dick.

The opera opens with the crew preparing for their voyage, setting the stage for the epic journey ahead. Greenhorn, new to the whaling life, quickly forms a bond with Queequeg, a skilled Polynesian harpooneer. Their friendship provides a humanizing counterpoint to Ahab’s relentless pursuit of the whale. As the ship sails further into the ocean, the crew faces the harsh realities of life at sea, including storms, isolation, and the ever-present danger of the hunt.

Captain Ahab’s obsession with Moby Dick becomes increasingly apparent as the voyage progresses. His monomaniacal focus on the whale drives him to push the crew to their limits, often disregarding their safety and well-being. Ahab’s interactions with Starbuck, the ship’s first mate, highlight the tension between duty and morality. Starbuck, a pragmatic and ethical man, frequently clashes with Ahab over the captain’s reckless decisions. Despite his reservations, Starbuck remains loyal to Ahab, hoping to steer the captain away from his destructive path.

The opera’s music, composed by Jake Heggie, captures the grandeur and intensity of the story of Moby Dick in New York. Heggie’s score blends traditional operatic elements with innovative orchestration, creating a soundscape that evokes the vastness of the ocean and the emotional depth of the characters. The staging by Leonard Foglia enhances the narrative, using visual effects and set designs to bring the world of the Pequod to life. The production’s use of projections and lighting creates a dynamic and immersive experience for the audience.

As the Pequod nears its final confrontation with Moby Dick, the tension reaches a fever pitch. The crew’s encounters with other ships and their own internal conflicts add layers of complexity to the story. Ahab’s obsession blinds him to the dangers that lie ahead, leading to a dramatic and tragic climax. The final scenes of the opera depict the epic battle between Ahab and Moby Dick, culminating in the destruction of the Pequod and the loss of most of its crew. Greenhorn, the sole survivor, is left to reflect on the futility of Ahab’s quest and the cost of vengeance.

Moby-Dick at the Metropolitan Opera is a powerful adaptation of Melville’s novel, capturing the essence of the story while adding new dimensions through music and performance. The combination of a talented cast, innovative staging, and Heggie’s compelling score makes this production a must-see event for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Opera enthusiasts are encouraged to get Moby Dick tickets in NYC before they run out.

Cast Information

The Metropolitan Opera’s production of Moby-Dick in New York features a stellar cast. Tenor Brandon Jovanovich stars as the monomaniacal Captain Ahab, while tenor Stephen Costello plays Greenhorn, the opera’s version of Ishmael. Baritone Peter Mattei takes on the role of the even-keeled first mate Starbuck, and bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green portrays the Polynesian harpooneer Queequeg. The cast also includes soprano Janai Brugger as Pip, tenor William Burden as Flask, and baritone Malcolm MacKenzie as Stubb. Under the direction of Leonard Foglia and the baton of Maestro Karen Kamensek, this ensemble promises a powerful performance during Moby Dick shows in New York.

Venue Information

The Metropolitan Opera House in New York, located at Lincoln Center, is one of the most prestigious opera venues in the world. Known for its grand architecture and state-of-the-art acoustics, the Met Opera House provides an unparalleled experience for opera enthusiasts. With a seating capacity of approximately 3,800, it offers an intimate yet grand setting for performances. The venue is renowned for its rich history and has hosted some of the most iconic opera productions since its opening in 1966.

Reviews and Audience Reception

Before Moby Dick in New York, Jake Heggie’s work has garnered widespread acclaim in various productions around the world. The opera premiered at the Dallas Opera in 2010 and was hailed as a triumph. Critics praised Heggie’s score for its emotional depth and innovative orchestration, which effectively captured the epic nature of Melville’s novel. The San Francisco Chronicle described the opera as powerful and emotionally irresistible, highlighting the compelling performances and stunning visual effects.

In San Francisco, the production was noted for its breathtaking staging, which utilized projections and dynamic set designs to bring the story to life. The Washington Post lauded it as the hit of the season, emphasizing the opera’s ability to deliver on a grand opera scale. The Associated Press called it achingly beautiful and gorgeously staged, reflecting the high production values and artistic vision.

Audiences have responded enthusiastically to Moby-Dick, with many praising the opera’s ability to stay true to the spirit of Melville’s novel while adding new dimensions through music and performance. The character portrayals, particularly that of Captain Ahab, have been singled out for their intensity and depth. The opera’s exploration of themes such as obsession, revenge, and the human condition resonates strongly with viewers, making it a compelling and thought-provoking experience.

As Moby-Dick makes its way to the Metropolitan Opera in March 2025, New York audiences can expect a production that combines powerful storytelling, exceptional performances, and innovative staging. The Met’s reputation for excellence ensures that this rendition of Moby-Dick in New York will be a highlight of the opera season, offering both longtime opera fans and newcomers an unforgettable experience.

Musical Numbers and Audience Favorites

Jake Heggie’s Moby-Dick shows in New York will feature a rich and evocative score that has captivated audiences in previous productions. Some of the standout musical numbers include Captain Ahab’s powerful aria, I Leave a White and Turbid Wake, which showcases his obsession and determination. Greenhorn’s reflective aria, Human Madness, is another audience favorite, offering a poignant insight into the young sailor’s thoughts and fears.

The ensemble pieces, such as the sailors’ chorus Pull, My Brothers, Pull, add to the opera’s dynamic and immersive atmosphere. Queequeg’s haunting solo The Pacific and Starbuck’s introspective aria Great God, Where Are You Now? are also highly praised for their emotional depth and lyrical beauty.

The opera’s climactic final scene, featuring the dramatic confrontation with Moby Dick, is a highlight that leaves a lasting impression on audiences. Heggie’s ability to blend traditional operatic elements with innovative orchestration creates a soundscape that resonates deeply with viewers, making these musical numbers enduring favorites.

Awards and Recognition

Moby-Dick has received numerous accolades since its premiere. The opera was named one of the best classical music events of 2010 by The New York Times and has been praised for its innovative score and compelling storytelling. It won the 2012 International Opera Award for Best New Opera and has been recognized for its outstanding production values and performances. The opera’s success has solidified Jake Heggie’s reputation as a leading contemporary composer, and it continues to be celebrated for its artistic achievements.

Run Length and Schedule

The Metropolitan Opera’s production of Moby-Dick in New York is scheduled to run in March 2025. The exact dates and times of the performances can be seen when you get your Moby Dick tickets in NYC through our platform. The Met typically offers evening performances with occasional matinees, providing ample opportunities for opera enthusiasts to experience this epic production. Given the opera’s popularity and the Met’s reputation for excellence, tickets are likely to be in high demand, so early booking is recommended.

Food and Beverage Options

The Metropolitan Opera House offers a variety of food and beverage options for patrons. Inside the venue, you can get a pre-performance meal and enjoy dessert during the intermission. Additionally, the surrounding Lincoln Center area boasts numerous restaurants and cafes, providing a range of dining options before or after the performance.