Famed Folk Singer Danny Cox makes Opera Orlando Debut in Baseball Opera

Opera Orlando’s Baseball: a Musical Love Letter takes the field at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre next Friday and Sunday, May 19 and 21, with a cast of local favorites joined by legendary American folk singer and songwriter Danny Cox. Written and conceived by Metropolitan Opera stage directors Kathleen Belcher and Dan Rigazzi, Baseball: a Musical Love Letter is an intimate, cabaret-style production that relates the history of baseball with songs from every corner of the American Songbook. In particular, it tells the story of the Negro leagues and highlights some of the incredible athletes that competed in those leagues. 

“This piece premiered in Kansas City, home of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and Dan and I really wanted to share some of their stories,” shares stage director Kathleen Belcher. “Through the museum we were connected to Danny Cox, who has lived in Kansas City since 1967, and whose dad played in the league with the Kansas City Monarchs. We knew we needed to include some of his music and perspective on baseball in the piece, and I am so happy he is joining us for the Florida premiere here in Orlando. The audience will really get an authentic look into a very special chapter of baseball history with Danny.”

Danny Cox is an accomplished folk and blues guitarist, singer-songwriter, and recording artist with a career that spans more than 55 years. The songs of the civil rights movement led him to a career as a folk singer, and in the 1960s he joined the Hootenanny tour, where he played every major theater including Carnegie Hall. He also appeared nationally on TV shows that include the Art Linkletter Show, Bonanza, and the Bob Hope Theater.

When Mr. Cox moved to Kansas City he embarked on a theatrical career and also became a renowned voice-over artist, best known for writing and performing the city's iconic Grass Pad jingle. He also wrote music for theatrical works Trains Across America, A Black Cowboys Song, Fair Ball: a history of The Negro Leagues, and Delores Huelta: friend of the workers. At 80, Mr. Cox continues to work in theater and music as a solo artist and with his band.

Baseball: a Musical Love Letter is a one act opera that runs approximately 65 minutes.  Dialogue and songs are in English presented with no supertitles. Audience members are encouraged to sport their favorite baseball team’s jersey or don their favorite baseball cap for the show. Be sure to come early for a special musical pre-show presentation featuring the Con Vivo singers and ballpark snacks. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased through the Opera’s website: www.OperaOrlando.org/Baseball. 

Student RUSH tickets discounted to $15 will also be available for both performances of this production 90 minutes before showtime at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre. Students and faculty may receive two tickets per valid institutional ID from any and all schools and universities. 

This production does conclude the Opera’s 2022-23 season, but tickets for the upcoming 2023-24 All for Art season are now on sale. Lock in an Opera on the MainStage All for Art subscription today and save up to $65 through July 5. Packages start at only $75 and are on sale NOW through the Dr. Phillips Center’s Bill & Mary Darden Box Office (445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando), online at www.DrPhillipsCenter.org, or by calling (407) 839-0119, ext. 0. Individual tickets for The Juniper Tree are also available as a special subscriber add-on.

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About Opera Orlando:     Celebrating, expanding, and sharing the world’s greatest art form,  the 2023-24 season marks Opera Orlando’s eighth season producing high-quality operatic entertainment and educational programs that engage Central Florida audiences.

Stay up to date with Opera Orlando’s season online at www.OperaOrlando.org, and follow and like the Opera’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts to share in all the Company has planned for 2023-24.

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