By Tiffany Edwards , University Relations
The unexpected demise of a rich patriarch sends family members scrambling for a slice of the inheritance in “The Will,” the next production by award-winning UNCG Opera Theatre.
“The Will” is based on Giacomo Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi,” but with an unusual spin; UNCG Opera Theatre has recast the opera in the context of a reality show.
“Reality shows thrive on relationship conflicts, romance, greed, social class - exactly the issues that make ‘Gianni Schicchi’ the comedic masterpiece that it is. Puccini was the master of theater, and in all likelihood would have approved of the theatrical value of current reality television,” said David Holley, director of opera theatre at the UNCG School of Music. “Our adaptation of ‘Gianni Schicchi’ reflects elements of reality television, while retaining the essentials of the plot.”
UNCG Opera Theatre will perform the opera March 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Carolina Theatre,
310 S. Greene St.
Written in 1918, “Gianni Schicchi” is a comic, one-act opera about forbidden love, family politics and betrayal. It was originally set in Florence in 1299, but the UNCG production has been updated to New York City in the 1950s. The opening to the opera will appear on a giant screen on stage, which is bordered by a set that creates the illusion of a giant television. Taking a cue from the reality show “The Apprentice,” a video segment kicks off the show and introduces the characters, who are attending a funeral. DejaViewMedia filmed the introduction at Green Hill Cemetery in December.
The opera is produced by the Greensboro Opera Company and will be performed by current and alumni singers from UNCG. The 16-member cast will feature Ted Federle (Gianni Schicchi), Jessica Tarter (Lauretta), Melanie Crump (Zita), Daniel Stein (Rinuccio) and Aaron Phillips (Simone), among others.
The opera will also be performed during the day (minus several of the video segments) for Guilford County fifth-grade students, as part of Greensboro Opera’s outreach efforts.
Adult tickets for the opera are $10 - $25 depending on seating location. Admission is $5 for students with ID and children under 18. A $1 per ticket restoration fee is added to the price of each ticket. Call (336) 273-9472. For more information about UNCG Opera Theatre, visit www.uncg.edu/mus/opera.
