Arizona Opera Presents El Gato Con Botas (Puss in Boots) in Next Performance of 2026/27 Season

Family-friendly Spanish-language opera brings the entire Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio to the stage in a colorful production of Puss in Boots

PHOENIX / TUCSON (October 8, 2026) — Arizona Opera brings the classic tale of Puss in Boots to life with El Gato con Botas, a colorful, family-friendly opera by Spanish composer Xavier Montsalvatge, presented November 7-8 in Phoenix and November 14-15 in Tucson.

The production features the entire 2026/27 Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio, giving audiences an opportunity to experience all five Studio singers together onstage as part of Arizona Opera's renewed commitment to developing the next generation of professional opera artists.

Based on the beloved fairy tale by Charles Perrault, El Gato con Botas follows a clever cat who uses his wit and resourcefulness to transform the fortunes of his humble master. With energetic Spanish rhythms, tuneful music and playful theatricality, the one-act opera offers an accessible introduction to opera for audiences of all ages.

“El Gato con Botas is a wonderful opportunity for audiences to experience the remarkable talent of our Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio artists,” said Brian DeMaris, General Director of Arizona Opera. “This production allows all five singers to work together as a professional ensemble while giving our audiences an intimate look at artists who are at the beginning of what we hope will be important careers. And because it's a familiar story told through beautiful Spanish music, it's a terrific way for families and newcomers to experience opera together.”

The production is a centerpiece of Arizona Opera's 2026/27 Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio, which has returned to a full-season program after operating as a half-season program for the previous two years.

The Studio provides emerging artists with yearlong opportunities for performance, professional coaching, artistic development and community engagement. Its artists work alongside established singers, conductors, directors and other opera professionals while gaining the experience necessary to make the transition from academic training to professional careers.

For El Gato con Botas, the entire Studio class comes together:

• Rosario Armas, mezzo-soprano — Puss in Boots
• Cameron Howard, tenor — The Miller
• Jason Edelstein, baritone — The King
• Jose Olivares, bass-baritone — The Ogre
• Francesca Herrera, soprano — The Princess

The production is directed by Sydney Roslin, the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio stage director, with Guzal Isametdinova serving as pianist and music director.

For audiences, El Gato con Botas offers a chance to discover these emerging artists in a production specifically designed to showcase their talents and personalities. It also provides a tangible example of Arizona Opera's expanded investment in the Studio and its mission to develop artists who will become the next generation of opera professionals.

A COLORFUL INTRODUCTION TO OPERA FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Performed in Spanish with English and Spanish supertitles, El Gato con Botas runs approximately one hour with no intermission, making it an especially accessible option for families and audiences new to opera.

The production combines Montsalvatge's music with the familiar story of Puss in Boots, creating an entertaining theatrical experience while introducing audiences to the sound, energy and storytelling of opera.

Arizona Opera will also offer pre-show talks and post-show discussions surrounding the Phoenix and Tucson performances, giving audiences additional opportunities to learn about the production and meet members of the artistic team.

PHOENIX PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Arizona Opera Center — Roma and Raymond Wittcoff Black Box Theater

• Saturday, November 7 — 2 PM
• Saturday, November 7 — 7:30 PM — LIMITED SEATS REMAINING
• Sunday, November 8 — 2 PM — LIMITED SEATS REMAINING

The 2 PM Phoenix performance on November 7 was added to accommodate demand for the production. The previously scheduled November 7 evening and November 8 matinee performances are nearing capacity.

TUCSON PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Leo Rich Theater

• Saturday, November 14 — 7:30 PM
• Sunday, November 15 — 2 PM

All performances are approximately one hour with no intermission and are performed in Spanish with English and Spanish supertitles.

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE

Members of the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio and the creative team are available for interviews about El Gato con Botas, the experience of performing together as a Studio ensemble and Arizona Opera's renewed investment in developing the next generation of opera artists. Interview opportunities include Brian DeMaris, General Director of Arizona Opera; Sydney Roslin, stage director; and members of the cast.

Media Contact

To schedule an interview or request additional media information, contact Tom Evans at 602.448.5483 or tom@lumenaz.com.

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About ARIZONA OPERA

Arizona Opera connects and inspires communities through artistically vibrant programs and productions that combine music, storytelling, and the human voice, creating inclusive, culturally relevant, and impactful experiences, while ensuring the financial sustainability of opera in our state. Since its inaugural year in 1971 as the Tucson Opera Company, Arizona Opera has produced more than 200 staged operas and concerts. The company's artistic history is rich with a blend of traditional works from the canon, as well as compelling works from the 20th and 21st centuries, and an array of high-impact educational and community engagement programs. For more information visit azopera.org.