The DePaul Opera Theatre will present in English the classic Czech opera “The Bartered Bride” by Bedrich Smetana March 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and March 17 at 2 p.m. at the Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, in Chicago.

Dramatic arias and infectious dance music infused with folk melodies characterize this comic opera about an arranged marriage that goes awry. The opera—which has become a national institution in the Czech Republic since it was first performed in 1866—tells the lively tale of a rural peasant’s daughter who outwits her parents and a marriage broker in order to marry her true love.

The production will be directed by Harry Silverstein, who directed another Czech opera, the critically acclaimed “The Good Soldier Schweik” at the Chicago Opera Theatre last March. Lighting designer Chris Solger-Binder, who worked with Silverstein on “Schweik,” rejoins him for this production. Robert Kaminskas conducts, Keturah Stickann choreographs, and Clayton Parr is chorus master for the opera. Lyric Opera of Chicago artist Scott Marr is the set designer.

The DePaul Opera Theatre is a highly successful training organization for talented DePaul music students who seek careers on the stages of the world’s opera houses and theaters. The troupe’s American premiere of Philip Glass’ “The Marriages Between Zones Three, Four and Five” in June was hailed as “a musical and directorial triumph” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

The faculty of the DePaul School of Music voice program includes internationally renowned soprano Catherine Malfitano, mezzo-soprano Suzanne Mentzer and tenor Neil Rosenshein. Graduates of the program have performed at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the New York Metropolitan Opera, Zurich Opera, Berlin State Opera and other American and international venues.

Tickets for “The Bartered Bride” range from $5 to $25 and may be purchased through the Merle Reskin Box Office: (312) 922-1999.