The University of Toledo Opera Ensemble will perform Giacomo Puccini’s comic opera in one act, “Gianni Schicchi,” Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 8.
UT Opera Ensemble members performing Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi” are, front row, from left, Anne Valade, Lauren Kerr, Meridian Prall, Julian Vaughn (stage manager), Alex Marcano, Sonjia Fry, Lena Miller and Andreea Lee (accompanist); and back row from left, John Pearse (orchestra director), Nadia Oselsky, Kyle Trek, Spencer Wilhelm, William Floss, Mike Vanderpool, Devon Desmond, Nnenne Edeh and Dr. Denise Ritter Bernardini (UT Opera Ensemble director).
Greed will take center stage as a wealthy dying man’s relatives swarm like vultures as his time nears. After he dies, their “sorrow” turns to rage when they realize they have been cut out of the will. Since Gianni Schicchi, a local peasant, could easily pass for the dead man, they devise a plan to use him to help change the will. But wily Schicchi turns their selfish plan into a clever trap.
Cast members are UT students Anne Valade as Gherardino and Guccio; Devon Desmond as Gianni Schicchi; Nnenne Edeh as Zita; William Floss as Gherardo; Lauren Kerr as Lauretta; Alex Marcano as Spinelloccho and il Notario; Nadia Oselsky as Ciesca; Meridian Prall as Zita; Mike Vanderpool as Marco; and Kyle Trek as Pinellino. They are joined by 2013 UT alumnus Spencer Willhelm as Simone, 2014 UT alumna Lena Miller as Nella, and Patrick Conklin as Rinuccio.
Advance tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors 60 and older. Visit utoledo.tix.com.
