Tragedy and comedy are the main elements of the two one-act operas written by Giacomo Puccini that are being performed the next two weekends.
The one-acts are part of three operas originally written to be performed together, known as “Il Trittico.”
The first one-act, “Suor Angelica,” has 22 cast members. Fourteen students and faculty members make up the cast of “Gianni Schicchi,” the second one-act.
Sophomore Angela Lombardi plays the role of the nursing sister in, “Suor Angelica.”
The show describes the daily routine of nuns in a convent toward the end of the 1600s, she said.
“One nun (Angelica) has a visit from her princess aunt and is given some bad news about her family and information about family secrets (is revealed),” Lombardi said.
‘Suor Angelica’ and ‘Gianni Schicchi’ Time: 7:30 p.m. Date: Tonight to Sunday and March 3 to 5 Matinee: March 6 at 1:30 p.m. Place: Gantner Concert Hall, Haas Fine Arts Center Cost: $10, $7 faculty ID, $6 Blugold ID |
“‘Suor Angelica’ takes place in the court yard of our little convent, while ‘Gianni Schicchi,’ takes place in the bedroom of Buoso,” she said.
Lombardi’s said her favorite scene is when Sister Angelica receives the bad news.
“There is so much emotion (that goes) into it that you just want to cry,” she said.
Guest artist Tanya Kruse and senior Anna Nummelin share the role of Sister Angelica.
The second one-act, “Gianni Schicchi,” is a comedy.
According to the synopsis of the show, Buoso Donati has just passed away, and his relatives feign sorrow while looking for his will. They soon discover Donati left all his money to the church, so they convince his neighbor, Gianni Schicchi, to pose as the dead man to change the will.
Lombardi said it has two different operas in it. “One drama is sad, and (then) an uplifting comedy. If you don’t like one, you’ll definitely like the other,” she said.
Sophomore Max Athorn plays the role of Rinuccio in “Gianni Schicchi.”
There is outstanding contrast between the two acts, he said.
“(The opera) is really unique and multi-medium,” Athorn said.
There is something for everyone and so much going on, he said.
Athorn added that the second show was “goofy and funny,” but both shows deal intensely with death, one seriously and one comically.
“(There are) three major areas of self contained songs,” he said of the second show. The whole opera is full of music, he said.
Athorn’s favorite part of “Gianni Schicchi” is “probably when the family is all trying to butter up Gianni to (help them) get the dead man’s riches,” he said.”The movement is a complete experience.”
Directing the 32 student orchestra members for the opera is professor of music and theatre arts Nobuyoshi Yasuda.
The first act is, “more serious (with) characters and music,” he said. “It’s very emotional music.”
The second act has more comedy, he said.
“More uplifting, more drive and more funny,” Yasuda said.
The musicians play in the orchestra pit, which is entirely dark except for the stand lights, he said. The sound carries out at different levels and goes out to the audience but not the musicians themselves.
“They’re not (able) to hear the voices, and it’s not easy to see either,” Yasuda said. “I’m very impressed. The students are working really hard.”
He said to see college students perform at this high of a level of performance of talent is an inspiration.
“Students have classes in addition to working hard to produce high level,” Yasuda said. “It takes real dedication and commitment.”
“I enjoy every minute of the production,” he said. “(The opera) is entertaining but more of an artistic, almost spiritual, experience.”