Midwest premiere of a new American Opera is among many season highlights
Learn More about our 09-10 season's operas and artists!
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin—January 21, 2009—Florentine Opera Company General Director William Florescu announced today the upcoming 2009-2010 season: Puccini’s melodramatic Tosca, and the Midwest premiere of a new American opera, Elmer Gantry, and Verdi’s illustrious and tragic Rigoletto. “The combination of familiar opera favorites and our exciting Midwest premiere make this upcoming season one that can truly be enjoyed by everyone, from first-time operagoers to seasoned opera fans,” noted Mr. Florescu.
The season opens in November with Tosca, Puccini’s emotional tale of the celebrated soprano, Floria Tosca, who is in love with the handsome painter, Mario Cavaradossi. When Cavaradossi’s political activism finds him in the crosshairs of the evil Baron Scarpia, a fierce battle of wills ensues in this famed opera of cruelty and deception. Favorite Florentine guest artists, Cynthia Lawrence (Tosca) and Renzo Zulian (Cavaradossi) return to the stage as the Florentine presents Tosca, November 20, 21 & 22, 2009 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.
In March, the Florentine stages the Midwest Premiere of Elmer Gantry, a new American opera written by Robert Aldridge and Herschel Garfein. Based on the 1927 novel by Sinclair Lewis (which was also the basis of an Academy Award ® -winning film starring Burt Lancaster and Jean Simmons), Elmer Gantry mixes traditional operatic forms with vibrant gospel hymns and ensembles in an opera that explores the complex and sometimes conflicted role of religion in American life. This quintessential American story of love and corruption follows a fraudulent, womanizing Evangelist, Elmer Gantry, on his rise to power and his fall from grace in early 20th Century rural America. Many of the original world premiere cast will grace the stage in this new production, including William Boggs (conductor) and John Hoomes (director). Presented March 19 & 21, 2010 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.
The season closes in May with Verdi’s notorious tragedy, Rigoletto—a captivating tale of a father’s love and devotion, a daughter’s unwittingly misplaced infatuation and a Duke’s lascivious and reckless ways. Audiences will recognize melody after melody as famed Florentine guest-artists, including Georgia Jarman (Gilda), Luis Ledesma (Rigoletto) and Arturo Chacon Cruz (Duke) are conducted by Joseph Rescigno. Florentine General Director, William Florescu will direct Rigoletto. Presented May 21, 22 & 23, 2010 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.
Maddalena - Audrey Babcock – debut