What is the next best opera seat in the world if you cannot be in Row K center at the New York Metropolitan Opera or fly to Bologna or Milan? Answer: It is at the Irvington Town Hall Theatre, where operas by well-known composers are presented on the big screen. This opera series is unique in a number of ways.

First, the opera-goer enters a beautiful space, a replica of the Ford Theatre and is greeted by the cheerful volunteer film host/hostess of the day. Then, home-made snacks, coffee and tea become available. Finally, a friendly mood infects the group as conversation breaks out. One regular recounts the sweetness of the soprano in the last performance and another anticipates the modern staging of today’s performance. In addition, it is at this point, where the opera novice or maven really gets a great treat not available at The Met – Doug Marouk-Coe’s pre-opera discussion.

Recently, at 11 am, 30 minutes before the show with a collection of about 20 opera lovers gathered and seated around the piano, Doug Marouk-Coe, former opera director at New York City Opera, started his discussion of the day’s performance –Bizet’s Carmen.

“The Spanish music created by Bizet was thoroughly original, not based on classical or folk music from Spain. In fact Bizet’s Carmen influenced our notions of what is considered Spanish sounding music,” Marouk-Coe explained to his attentive and nodding group.

Seamlessly moving to the piano, Marouk-Coe picked out a motif from the opera that appears in different forms. The group learns that they should listen for these recurring motifs. Then, again seamlessly, Marouk-Coe adds to the atmosphere of immersion by singing bits and pieces of the theme.

Though the range of opera knowledge varies greatly within the group, musical terms are explained so everyone is involved in the discussion. “Always notice in opera how the music and the story reinforce each other and heighten the overall effect,” Marouk-Coe reminds the group. And most of all listen and enjoy. Everyone can understand opera – it enters your ears and floats through your heart.”

Now, with Marouk-Coe’s short talk completed, the little family of opera-goers gets some coffee, maybe a piece of Judy’s cake, and proceeds to sit back and take in Act 1 of the performance. The HD technology transports the audience to some of the greatest opera houses in the world, without flying to Europe or driving to New York City. The intermission finds Marouk-Coe surrounded by his “students” once again. No question is too silly or too esoteric. The house lights dim, and the opera continues. A sincerely warm and rich experience has happened – between Marouk-Coe and his friends.

Operas in May, both by Verdi, are showing on the 2nd and 16th. Check the schedule at www.irvingtontownhalltheater.org. Come join the family. The opera films are presented by the Irvington Town Hall Theater Commission, in partnership with RiverArts. The films are distributed through Emerging Pictures.