Stage Productions on the Screen: Danny Boyle's Frankenstein and more

For some time now, a good number of stage productions have been presented on the big screen. This is the fifth season that Metropolitan Opera has been presented in HD. Many others have followed suit.

Tonight at theatres everywhere, you'll have a chance to see the National Theatre's presentation of Danny Boyle's Frankenstein. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller who alternate the roles of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. It plays again on March 31.

Danny Boyle’s (Slumdog Millionaire) production of Frankenstein, a play by Nick Dear, based on the novel by Mary Shelley. For the first time ever, National Theatre Live will broadcast two separate performances of a production. Throughout the run of Frankenstein at the National Theatre, Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller are alternating the roles of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. Don’t miss the final performance being broadcast in cinemas March 31st 7:00 PM Jonny Lee Miller (Creature), Benedict Cumberbatch (Victor). Warning: Contains themes of an adult and sexual nature and nudity.

http://www.cineplex.com/Movies/MovieDetails/Frankenstein-National-Theatre.aspx?date=2011-3-17
For opera lovers, productions coming up include a 3D presentation of the classic Carmen on March 26.

A co-production of RealD and London’s Royal Opera House, CARMEN IN 3D gives viewers the best seat in the house, taking them on a magic carpet ride into the heart of the production - immersing them into this exciting story of love, jealousy and betrayal.

CARMEN IN 3D is a dazzling film, filled with some of the best-loved music ever written - and performed by a world-class cast. With English subtitles throughout, it is the perfect event for life-long opera fans and first-timers alike! Available exclusively in RealD theaters beginning in March 2011.

http://www.carmen3d.com/default.aspx

Canadian composer Alexina Louie has composed a comic opera called Mulroney: The Opera. It screens in theatres on April 16 and 27.

Joyously irreverent, Mulroney: The Opera blends political satire with an original operatic score. It is at once a comedy, a tragedy and always thoroughly epic in its portrayal of contemporary political life in Canada. Within the ‘Holy Grail’ of musical forms – the Opera - these stories, scandals and real-life politicians are finally given the larger-than-life platform they deserve. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHbX1j7r_Yc
http://www.mulroneytheopera.ca/

For the many offerings of the Metropolitan Opera, you can check here:
http://www.cineplex.com/Events/MetOpera/Home.aspx

Other stage productions that will be presented on the big screen are Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance 3D, The Bolshoi Ballet, and LA PHIL LIVE from Walt Disney Concert Hall.