-Courtesy of Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA)
Grab some gabagool and proshoot this February for a comic opera set in South Philadelphia.
Philadelphia’s prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) will present Gaetano Donizetti’s “opera buffa” Don Pasquale this February – with a hometown twist. Audiences will be taken on a sentimental adventure, as the opera will be set in mid-60s South Philadelphia. This production will evoke nostalgia for that time, from the golden age of the Italian Market to plastic covers on furniture.
Be transported back to this era of Dick Clark’s Bandstand, Frankie Avalon, and Wilt Chamberlin on the Sixers. Have Sunday night dinner with the Italian family that you never knew you wanted (or needed!) in your life. Audiences can also expect to see some local products and signage featured on stage.
AVA’s award-winning Resident Artists will perform in this production, with AVA alumnus and international opera star Richard Troxell (AVA ’92) directing, and Richard A. Raub conducting the AVA Opera Orchestra.
When deciding upon the setting for the opera, Mr. Troxell drew from personal experience:
“I’m new to Don Pasquale, and when I was studying the opera, I immediately thought of my Uncle Romeo in South Philadelphia,” said Troxell on his inspiration. “This 69-year-old bachelor living in his brownstone in South Philly – it just made sense.”
:Instead of the servants that are traditionally in this opera, they will instead be the nosy neighbors sitting on stoops,” said Troxell. “They’re the ‘I know a guy’ guys. “
This is the third time Maestro Raub will conduct the opera, the last time being in AVA’s 2009 production which starred international opera stars Corinne Winters, Steven LaBrie, and Taylor Stayton.
“When this opera was first composed, it was written for the greatest voices in the world at that time,” said Maestro Raub. “This opera is such a joy, and I’m thrilled to be doing it again.”
ABOUT THE OPERA:
The venerable Don Pasquale has chosen a wife for his nephew Ernesto, who wants to marry Norina. The elderly Don disapproves and decides to find a wealthy bride of his own. With Norina in disguise and a fake wedding, the couple and their friend Dr. Malatesta make Don Pasquale rue the day he ever considered marriage!
Don Pasquale will be sung in Italian with English supertitles.
Performance Dates:
February 16, 2023
February 18, 2023
February 21, 2023
February 23, 2023
All performances will be held at AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater at 7:30 PM
1920 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
For tickets and more information, please visit: https://avaopera.org/event/don-pasquale-2/
This production is generously sponsored by The Gray Charitable Trust
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