Opera Comes to Featherstone

Opera Weekend is sure to be an event Martha’s Vineyard will want to return to summer after summer. Wendy Taucher Dance Opera Theater with Opera Noire of New York’s production of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi premiers at on Friday August 3^rd at 6 p.m and on Thursday, August 2^nd, even the kids can get into the act.

The weekend’s performances of Puccini’s one-hour comic masterpiece feature a cast of singers who won their roles during a lengthy audition process in New York City and, along with the artistic staff, are a world-class ensemble.

Gianni Schicchi, as dictated by Puccini himself, offers up a musical romp both sublime and ridiculous.  The story is told through movement, music and classic Comedia dell'arte, which frame some of opera's best loved melodies with general shenanigans, class warfare, young love, bait-and-switch, and a surprise ending.

The production, sung in Italian, is a fast-paced, through-composed hour-long work.  It’s a great ‘starter opera’, terrific for opera lovers, theater lovers and people who like to laugh. The production is even appropriate for families with kids over 8 years old.

The kids can get a head start on the opera education on Thursday, August 2^nd at a free inter-active workshop/open rehearsal for kids at Featherstone. Children from first grade and up are welcome to participate with an accompanying adult. They will work with the professional cast of opera singers and take part in opera theatrics and comedy, based on Gianni Schicchi.

The Opera Gala on Friday August 3^rd includes a gala honoring Anne Gallagher with the Inspiration Award, Olga Hirshhorn Celebration Chair, followed by the opera performance and dinner, taking place at 6 pm. rain or shine. Additional performances take place on Saturday August 4^th and Sunday August 5^th at 7 pm.  Tickets range from $15 to $300. For more information and to purchase tickets for the opera events, call (646) 872-7249, email wendytaucher@gmail.com or visit www.ticketsmv.com.