The San Diego Opera is presenting two one-act operas that have never been staged together before.
The two works, “Gianni Schicchi” and “Suor Angelica,” are both by Giacomo Puccini, who is also the composer of much more well-known operas, including one of the most-performed operas in the world, “La bohème.”
Gianni Schicchi is the only comedy Puccini wrote. The story centers on a dysfunctional family who are hoping to be named in the will of Buoso Donati. A hunt for the will, and many complications, including Gianni Schicchi taking the place of the deceased Donati and “dictating” a new will in favor of himself, await the audience.
The second opera is the story Suor Angelica, about a young, unwed mother who is sent to a convent for her sins, and the tragedy that ensues when she learns the fate of her son.
Mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe stars in Suor Angelica as the Principessa, and takes the title role in Gianni Schicchi, a part written for a baritone. Soprano Marina Costa-Jackson sings the roles of Suor Angelica in that opera, and Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi. This is her debut in San Diego.
The operas will be performed at the San Diego Civil Theatre on February 13, 16, and 19 at 7:30 pm; and February 21 at 2:00 pm. There will be lectures and talks before and after the performances, and poster printing is often used to publicize events like this.
