2012-2013 Opera & Musical Theatre Series

Pirates of Penzance 
Oct. 18-20, 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 21 at 2:00 p.m.
Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center

One of the most beloved of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas,  Pirates of Penzance satirizes the operatic convention that traps the hero in conflict between love and duty.  Our hero Fredrick has been brought up indentured to a band of Pirates, but being a noble lad, he detests the profession.  On turning 21, he announces his intention to become an honest citizen.   Confusion and merriment ensue as Fredrick falls for the lovely young Mabel but cannot marry her because of a technicality regarding his age. 
A delightful musical romp for the entire family.   (Rating G) 
 

Suor Angelica by Puccini & Il Campanello di notte by Donizetti
Feb. 28-March 2, 7:30 p.m. and March 3, 2:00 p.m.
Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center

Puccini was inspired to write this poignant opera because his own sister was a nun.  The main character Angelica, a young noblewoman, has an out of wedlock child who is placed with her aunt and then she is banished to a convent.  Later the aunt visits wanting her to sign papers turning everything over to her younger sister. When she asks about her son, she is told the son died several years ago.  On hearing this upsetting news,  Angelica takes poison praying to be forgiven for committing suicide.

The second act will feature an opera by Donizetti who is probably best known for his great tragedy, Lucia di Lammermoor but was also a master of comedy as seen in Il Campanello di notte.   This short farce is in the best Italian comic tradition with a love triangle of Serafina, a young vivacious woman being married to an older pharmacist when a former young lover, Enrico, tries to intervene.  (Rating  G)