ROCKLAND — A simulcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s Ariadne auf Naxos by Richard Strauss will be presented at the Strand Theatre on Saturday, March 12 at 1:00 p.m., with an Encore presentation on Tuesday, March 22 at 1:00 p.m.  In Ariadne auf Naxos, a wealthy patron has commissioned two pieces of entertainment for a private dinner party: an opera based on the myth of Ariadne in exile, and a capering troupe of clowns for comic relief. The catch: the two acts must perform simultaneously so a fabulous pyrotechnics display can conclude the evening as promised. Creative tempers flare, pandemonium ensues, and romance blossoms as the zany preamble to the evening’s performance miraculously leads to a transcendent, touching second act. The soprano Lise Davidsen makes her Live in HD debut in one of her signature roles, the mythological Greek heroine of Strauss’s enchanting masterpiece. The cast for this March 12 transmission also features mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard as the Composer of the opera-within-an-opera around which the plot revolves, with soprano Brenda Rae as the spirited Zerbinetta and tenor Brandon Jovanovich as Ariadne’s lover, the god Bacchus. Marek Janowski conducts.  This production is part of the 2021-2022 season of Metropolitan Opera Live in HD simulcasts from New York City’s Lincoln Center to movie theaters across the globe. The Strand requires proof of vaccination or the official lab results of a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours of showtime as well as a photo ID at the door. Masks are required for the duration of your visit. For opera presentations, audience capacity is capped at 30% (100 people), and reserved-seat ticketing provides a buffer of space around each party. Please refer to the Strand Theatre website or call (207) 594-0070 for more information.           The estimated run time of this show is 2 hours and 50 minutes, including one intermission. Tickets will cost $27 for adults, $25 for Strand Members, and $15 for students 18 and under and college students with ID. For the Encore, tickets will cost $23 for adults, $15 for Strand Members, and $5 for Students 18 and under and college students with ID. All tickets are for reserved seats, and are available at www.rocklandstrand.com, by calling (207) 594-0070, at the box office when the theater is open for shows, and one hour before each opera show time.  For more information visit www.rocklandstrand.com, call (207) 594-0070, or email: info@rocklandstrand.com. The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main Street in Rockland.