Join thousands of others at the opera — in a Maine movie theater

Published: October 26, 2026

Updated: October 26, 2026

Category: Entertainment

Author/Source: Maine News Now

Join thousands of others at the opera — in a Maine movie theater

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A scene from Massenet's "Manon." (Marty Sohl / Met Opera)

At a time when movie-going is on the rise thanks to summer blockbusters like “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey,” and even more recent phenomena such as the documentary “You Can See Everything,” a trip to the movies for an opera might be the perfect Saturday afternoon counterprogramming.

Although it might not draw as many people as it used to, the Metropolitan Opera has continued to entertain fans at the Strand Theatre in Rockland through its MET: Live in HD series. For the last 20 years, these livestreams – referred to as “simulcasts” because they are broadcast to thousands of theaters across the globe at the same time – have given Midcoast Mainers a chance to get up close to the elaborate sets and breathtaking arias of an art form traditionally confined to patrons with the budget for pricey theater tickets. No opera glasses required.

For Brian Harden, 79, who’s been a season ticket holder at the Strand for 10 years, the MET Live in HD series made him a fan of opera because of one’s proximity to the sets and performers. He said the series allows him to see the best of the art form without the high price tag.

“I could never afford to sit where I sit at the Strand,” said Harden, whose favorite seat at the Strand is the balcony’s front row. “If I went to an opera house to see a live opera, I’d be up in the second balcony.”

Nathan Gunn as Papageno in Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” (Ken Howard / Met Opera).

This season’s program includes old favorites, such as special encores of Bizet’s “Carmen” or Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” — just in time for the Christmas holiday — alongside live transmissions of revivals, new stagings of old productions, and even the MET premiere of Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell’s “Silent Night” — an opera about a World War 1 Christmastime truce.

The 2026-27 MET: Live in HD series began in September and will run through June. The season has six more live performances alongside two special encores of recordings of iconic productions from years past. Each performance is accompanied by English subtitles as well as a 30- to 40-minute intermission that includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with cast and crew.

But if you happen to miss the initial livestream, don’t worry. The Strand also offers an encore presentation of each performance at a later date and time.

Strand patrons can watch the performance on a 25-foot screen from either the floor or the balcony of the restored 350-seat art house theater; visitors can expect comfortable seating alongside high-tech sound and visuals. For those seeking a snack to go along with the show, the Strand has a concession stand that includes a variety of local baked goods.

“We’re trying to really honor the movie palaces of the past but then have the modern amenities,” said Jana Herbener, marketing director at the Strand Theatre.

IF YOU GO

Strand Theatre, 345 Main St., Rockland. Seating is reserved and tickets can be purchased online at rocklandstrand.com or at the box office, which opens an hour ahead of the showtime. General admission is $32 for live performances and $27 for an encore presentation; discounts are available for Strand members and students. For opera superfans, the Strand offers season tickets for $330.

What’s playing this season?

A scene from Act II of Bizet’s “Carmen” with Elina Garanca (center) in the title role. (Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera)

The MET: Live in HD season has already begun, but there are many shows yet to air. Note that encore dates and times may vary by theater. All performances have one intermission unless otherwise noted. Here’s the schedule for the rest of the season at the Strand:

Special Met Encore: “Carmen,” 1 p.m. Nov. 21, Georges Bizet’s classic opera, recording of the MET’s 2010 production by Richard Eyre, 180 minutes.

“Samson et Dalila,” noon Dec. 5, Darko Tresnjak’s revival of Camille Saint-Saëns’ opera based on the biblical story of Samson and Delilah, 235 minutes with two intermissions.

“Samson et Dalila (encore),” 5 p.m. Dec. 17.

“Special Met Holiday Encore: The Magic Flute,” 1 p.m. Dec. 23, a 2006 recording of Julie Taymor’s production of Mozart’s classic opera, 115 minutes.

“La Fanciulla del West,” 1 p.m. Jan. 23, Richard Jones’ new production of Puccini’s Wild West-set opera, 195 minutes.

“La Fanciulla del West (encore),” 5 p.m. Feb. 4.

“Silent Night,” 1 p.m. March 20, Met premiere of Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell’s opera about the 1914 war-time Christmas truce, 180 minutes.

“Silent Night (encore),” 5 p.m. April 1.

“Manon,” noon April 3, revival of Jules Massenet’s opera, production by Laurent Pelly, 265 minutes with two intermissons.

“Manon (encore),” 5 p.m. April 15.

“Otello,” 1 p.m. April 24, revival of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera based on the Shakespearan tragedy, production by Bartlett Sher, 200 minutes.

“Otello (encore),” 5 p.m. April 29.

“Parsifal,” noon June 5, revival of Richard Wagner’s opera about a knight in search for the Holy Grail, production by François Girard, 365 minutes with two intermissions.

“Parsifal (encore),” 11 a.m. June 17.