Fusing stories and music from India, China, and West Africa, this original children’s opera tells the story of Monkey and his brainy sister Francine. They must learn to work together and use their smarts to escape the hungry Crocodile and outwit the greedy Lord of the Tigers. Combining musical styles from Bollywood, to Latin, to Jazz, and featuring relatable, contemporary language and characters, the opera conveys a timely message of unity – that together, respecting individual differences and strengths, we can accomplish anything.

OPERA-GO-ROUND, Tri-Cities Opera’s Touring Educational Program, is celebrating 46 years of bringing live musical performances to schools throughout New York and Pennsylvania. Named as a nod to Binghamton’s famous carousels, Opera-Go-Round performs for as many as 20,000 students annually. Our mission is simple: to bring great music to the newest generation of listeners!

Tri-Cities Opera has developed this year’s Opera-Go-Round program as a virtual offering that will be delivered to students, whether in classrooms or home learning spaces, via a digital link. Monkey and Francine in the City of Tigers will include a detailed study guide, providing educators the flexibility to incorporate the performance into a comprehensive teaching unit.