Produced by The Dallas Opera, Don't Look Under the Wig was selected as a finalist in the category of Education/Enrichment Material in the 2024 Awards for Digital Excellence.

Stream the video until March 2, 2025

Don't Look Under the Wig is The Dallas Opera’s groundbreaking digital series produced with and hosted by Amy O'Neil. In this engaging program, O'Neil reveals some of opera's biggest secrets while seamlessly transforming into iconic figures from classical music.

The series offers in-depth explorations of The Dallas Opera's mainstage season productions, including Così fan tutte, Rigoletto, and Das Rheingold. Each episode dives into the rich history of opera and the works of legendary composers like Mozart and Verdi, providing viewers with valuable insights into the evolution and significance of the art form. With creative storytelling, captivating visuals, and O'Neil's charismatic presence, Don't Look Under the Wig bridges the gap between classical music and modern audiences. This series reflects The Dallas Opera’s commitment to innovation and accessibility, inspiring a new generation of fans and ensuring the continued relevance of opera in today’s cultural landscape.

About the Producer

As one of the leading opera companies in the country, The Dallas Opera boasts an extraordinary legacy of world-class productions and thrilling premieres, featuring some of the greatest operatic artists of our time. Founded in 1957 with a concert starring the incomparable Maria Callas, The Dallas Opera is renowned for the U.S. debuts of legendary artists such as Plácido Domingo, Dame Joan Sutherland, Jon Vickers, Franco Zeffirelli, and Sir David McVicar.

Committed to innovation and the development of new works, The Dallas Opera exemplifies this focus through recent initiatives like the world premiere of The Diving Bell and The Butterfly. The company has long been an industry leader, pioneering programs to engage new audiences with opera. These include the Hart Institute for Women Conductors, free digital streaming, public simulcasts, art song recitals, a national vocal competition, and award-winning educational programs for families.

Amy O'Neil, digital content marketing manager at The Dallas Opera, has been with the company for over five years. The creator, writer, producer, and host of Don't Look Under the Wig, O’Neil brings an extensive background in music, history, storytelling, and comedy. Through this series, she brings humor and accessibility to opera and classical music. O’Neil is passionate about making opera relatable to all audiences and is proud to create content that is both educational and entertaining.

The Awards for Digital Excellence in Opera are supported by The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation.