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2007
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TOSCA LA BOHEME FROM OPERA TO BROADWAY
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Events 2007 |
About Us Events Venues Archive Press Tickets Sponsors
TOSCA LA BOHEME FROM OPERA TO BROADWAY
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TOSCA June 16, 2007, 5:30 P.M. Vail Leavitt Music Hall, Riverhead, New York Intrigue, Love, An Exciting Political Drama ~ Opera of the Hamptons Presents a Fabulous international Cast: Julia Rolwing - Tosca Ta�u Pupu�a - Cavaradossi Zurab Ninua - Baron Scarpia Nathan Baer - Angelotti Charles Bosselman - Sacristan and Jailor Anthony Tolve - Spoletta Eddie Peterson - Sciarrone Haley Willis - Shepherd Boy Julian Whitley - Roberti Martin Young - Executioner ~ Atarah Hazzan, Music Director Linda Lehr, Stage Director Charles Bosselman, Stage Manager Barbara Giancola, Artistic Director ~
Photo Gallery~
SynopsisScene: Rome. Time: June 1800.
Act IThe Church of Sant'Andrea della Valle Angelotti, an escaped political offender, seeks refuge in the Church of Sant'Andrea della Valle where his family has a chapel. His sister, the Marchesa Attavanti, while praying for his release, has unwittingly served as a model to the painter, Mario Cavaradossi for his portrait of the Magdalen. Just a moment before a sacristan enters (followed shortly by Cavaradossi), Angelotti conceals himself in his family's chapel; the sacristan assists the painter washing his brushes. Cavaradossi stops his work for a moment, takes out a medallion in his pocket: this medallion contains a miniature of Tosca's photo. He makes a comparison between Tosca and the model he was portraying (Recondita armonia � "Concealed harmony"). The sacristan makes a controcanto (Scherza con i fanti e lascia stare i santi - which became a proverb: play with servants but respect saints), then leaves Cavaradossi alone to paint. When the sacristan leaves, Angelotti comes out of his chapel. Cavaradossi is his friend and political ally. Angelotti begins to tell of his escape from Castel Sant'Angelo (papal Roman prison) but the arrival of Tosca interrupted their conversation (Tosca : Mario! Mario! Mario!). Cavaradossi gives Angelotti some food and helps him return to hide in the chapel. Floria Tosca is a singer, goes to the church to invite Mario Cavaradossi (her lover) to meet her after her performance in the evening. However, Tosca is unreasonably jealous, and her suspicions have been aroused, having heard Cavaradossi's speaking to someone upon her arrival. She imagines an intrigue with a woman, and her fears are apparently confirmed by the portrait of Mary Magdalene. She says that the blue eyes model looks very familiar. Finally, Tosca realizes Mario has used Marchesa Attavanti as the model, but Mario assuages her suspicions. Tosca has brown eyes, whereas the woman in the portrait has blue. (Qual occhio al mondo � "What eyes in the world can be compared to your eyes"). Tosca, her jealousy abated, leaves, but not before playfully insisting he make the Magdalene's eyes dark, like hers. Angelotti reappears, and his escape is planned: Angelotti will don woman's attire (that his sister had hidden in the altar) and flee to Cavaradossi's villa; if necessary, Angelotti will hide in the well. Cavaradossi swears, even if it costs him his life, he will save Angelotti from the wicked Scarpia (La vita mi costasse, vi salver� � "Even if it costs me my life, I'll save you"). A cannon shot from the fortress (Castel Sant'Angelo) warns that his escape has been discovered and compels him to flee; the painter exits the church with him. The sacristan returns surrounded by a laughing crowd of choir boys and acolytes. (Sacristan, chorus: Tutta qui la cantoria! � �All here, into the choir loft�) They falsely believe that Napoleon has been defeated and are there to sing a thankful Te Deum, when Scarpia, chief of police, arrives with Spoletta and some of his men in search of the escaped prisoner. In the Attavantis' chapel Spoletta finds the fan of the Marchesa and the painter's basket emptied of food and wine. Scarpia threateningly asks the sacristan about this, but the latter maintains that Cavaradossi did not have the key to the chapel and had not expressed any interest in the food. Scarpia shrewdly concludes that Cavaradossi is connected with Angelotti's escape. Tosca returns to explain to Cavaradossi that she must perform in the celebration of cantata and will not be able to meet him. Finding that Cavaradossi has left, she begins to feel suspicious. Meanwhile the church fills up and a Cardinal prepares for the Te Deum. Scarpia arouses Tosca's jealousy by producing Attavanti's fan, and she departs in anger. Ordering his agent to follow her (Tre sbirri, una carrozza � "Three policeman, a carriage"), he passionately avows his love for the singer, then kneels devoutly in prayer. (Scarpia: Va' Tosca, nel tuo cuor s'annida Scarpia � "Go, Tosca, in your heart is nesting Scarpia"; Chorus: Adiutorium nostrum � "My help is in God's name"; Scarpia: A doppia mira tendo il voler � "At two goals I aim my desire").
Act IIScarpia's room at Palazzo Farnese (now the embassy of France) Scarpia is dining alone while celebrations are heard outside. He sends a servant to give a note to Tosca to invite her to join him when she finishes with her recital. Cynically he sings of pleasure (Ella verr� per amor del suo Mario � "She will come out of love for her Mario" and Ha pi� forte sapore la conquista violenta � "The violent conquest has a stronger flavor" presuming she will surrender to his power. Spoletta, his agent, enters with Cavaradossi in custody but without Angelotti, who has eluded him. Scarpia closely questions the painter, but Cavaradossi reveals nothing. Tosca arrives and the painter whispers to her not to say anything about Angelotti. Scarpia sends Cavaradossi off to be tortured, then turns his attention to Tosca (Scarpia: Ed or fra noi parliam da buoni amici � �Now, let us talk like good friends�) Scarpia describes to her in detail her lover�s anguish under torture. She can hear his groans, but is powerless to help him. At last, utterly prostrated, she divulges Angelotti�s hiding-place. The painter is brought out, and Scarpia indicates he knows where Angelotti is hiding. In his pain and humiliation, Cavaradossi denounces Tosca for her betrayal of the secret. Sciarrone enters to announce that earlier reports were mistaken, Bonaparte has defeated the royalist forces at the Battle of Marengo. Cavaradossi, exulting ( Vittoria! ), is dragged away to prison. Tosca tries to follow him, but Scarpia holds her back. She asks him what the price is to free Mario (Scarpia: Mi dicon venal � �They say I'm venal.�) He avows his passion for her and lasciviously demands her body, her virtue, and herself, as the price to save Mario�s freedom. Tosca attempts to flee but is restrained by Scarpia as he attempts to rape her. During the struggle drums are heard -- Scarpia indicates that they are the drums beating Cavaradossi to the scaffold. Tosca finally collapses and asks the Lord the reason for all this cruelty against her (Tosca: Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore � �I lived on art, I lived on love�; Scarpia: Sei troppo bella, Tosca, e troppo amante � �You're too beautiful, Tosca, and too loving�). Spoletta enters to announce that Angelotti committed suicide just as Scarpia�s agents discovered him in the well at Cavaradossi�s villa. Feeling as if she has no alternative, Tosca finally agrees to yield. Scarpia then orders Spoletta to organize for a mock execution of Cavaradossi, and Tosca demands a safe-conduct for herself and the painter to leave the country. While she is waiting for Scarpia to write it, she notices a knife on the table, and makes the decision to kill Scarpia rather than allow him to rape her. As he advances to embrace her, she stabs him. (Questo � il bacio di Tosca� "This is Tosca's kiss"). Having piously composed the body for burial, she departs to the sound of drums in the distance (E avanti a lui tremava tutta Roma � "And before him trembled all of Rome).
Act IIITop floor of Castel Sant' Angelo where Cavaradossi is due to be shot Church bells announce the beginning of the day while a shepherd sings a stornello in romanesco, the Roman dialect. Cavaradossi, in prison, awaits his execution. For the price of a ring (his last possession), Cavaradossi convinces a jailer to deliver a note to Tosca, then starts writing a farewell letter ( E lucevan le stelle � �And the stars were shining.�). With the last line (E non ho amato mai tanto la vita � "And never have I loved life so much"), he bursts into tears. She enters with Spoletta and a sergeant, bringing the safe-conduct and explains to him how she killed Scarpia in order to save them both. (Tosca: Il tuo sangue o il mio amor volea � �He wanted your blood or my love�) She then explains the mock execution which she believes to be arranged for him, and with triumphant and high emotion, they begin to dream of their future together. (Duet: Senti, l'ora � vicina � �Listen, the hour is near.�)(Cavaradossi: Amaro sol per te m'era il morire � "Dying was bitter only because of you"; Tosca: Amore che seppe a te vita serbare � "My love, which was able to save your life"; final duet: Trionfal... di nova speme � "Triumphant, with new hope.") The soldiers fire; Mario falls. Tosca playfully compliments Mario on his marvellous acting (Ecco un artista � "There's an artist"). When the executioners leave, Tosca runs to Mario and tells him to get up. When he does not respond, Tosca realizes the truth: Scarpia had never intended to spare Cavaradossi, but had given Spoletta orders to execute him. Cavaradossi lies dead. As Tosca comes to this realization, Spoletta, who has discovered Scarpia's death, enters with soldiers, denouncing her as a murderer. He comes forward to take Tosca prisoner, but she pushes him away. She then jumps from the ramparts of the castle and falls to her death ("O Scarpia, avanti a Dio!" - "O Scarpia, we shall meet before God!").
Performance photos by:
Michelle Giancola Shira Devra Photography Giacomo Puccini�s LA BOHEME A Poignant, Beautiful Tale of Young Bohemians and Their Lives ~ July 21, 2007 5:30 P.M. Duck Walk Vineyards On The North Fork 44535 Main Rd Southold, New York 11971 Opera of the Hamptons Sensational International Singers bring these bohemians to life. Soprano Kristin Sampson - Mimi Tenor John Tsotsoros - Rodolfo Jacqueline Buffone - Musetta William Amory - Marcello David Presler - Schaunard Nathan Baer - Colline Charles Bosselman-Benoit/Alcindoro Martin Young - Waiter Haley Willis - Vendor ~ Music Director Atarah Hazzan Stage Director, Linda Lehr Stage Manager, Charles Bosselman Barbara Giancola, Artistic Director ~
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SynopsisPlace: Paris. Act I.In the four bohemians' garret. Marcello is painting while Rodolfo gazes out of the window. As they have no fire, they use the manuscript of Rodolfo's drama for fuel. Colline, the philosopher, enters shivering and disgruntled at not having been able to pawn some books. Schaunard, the musician of the group, arrives with food, wood, wine, and money, and he explains the source of his riches � a job with an English gentleman. Nobody listens, but they fall ravenously upon the food, which is removed by Schaunard, leaving only the wine. While they drink, Benoit, the landlord, arrives to collect the rent. They flatter him and give him wine. In his drunkenness, he recites his amorous adventures, but when he also declares he is married, they thrust him from the room in comic moral indignation. The rent money is divided for a carousal in the Quartier Latin. The other Bohemians go out, but Rodolfo remains alone in order to work. Someone knocks, and Mim�, whose candle has been snuffed out, asks Rodolfo to light it. She departs, but returns in a few minutes, saying she has forgotten her key. Both candles are extinguished; they stumble in the dark, and Rodolfo finds the key, which he pockets. They relate the story of their varied experiences in the two arias. ("Che gelida manina � What a cold little hand"; and "S�, mi chiamano Mim� � Yes, they call me Mim�.") The waiting friends call Rodolfo impatiently. He wishes to remain at home with Mim�, but she decides to accompany him. Departing, they sing of their love. (Duet, Rodolfo and Mim�: "O soave fanciulla � Oh gentle maiden")
Act II.Quartier Latin. A great crowd on the street, sellers praise their wares. (Chorus: "Aranci, datteri! Caldi i marroni � Oranges, dates! Hot chestnuts."). The friends repair to Caf� Momus. While they eat, Musetta, formerly beloved of Marcello, arrives with her rich government minister admirer Alcindoro. She tries to attract Marcello's attention with a risque song (Song, Musetta: "Quando me'n vo � When I go along"), and succeeds after many efforts. To get rid of Alcindoro, she feigns suffering from a tight shoe and sends him to the shoemaker. During the ensemble, Musetta and Marcello fall into each other's arms and reconcile. The friends wish to pay the bill, but to their consternation find Schaunard's riches gone; the sly Musetta has the entire bill charged to Alcindoro. The police appear, and they rush in all directions. Marcello and Colline carry Musetta out on their arms amid the applause of the spectators. When all have gone, Alcindoro arrives with the shoe seeking Musetta. The waiter hands him the bill, and horror-stricken at the amount he sinks upon a chair.
Act III.At the toll gate. Clothing peddlers come to the city. Mim�, coughing violently, wishes to speak to Marcello, who resides in a little tavern near the barrier where he paints signs for the innkeeper. She tells him of her hard life with Rodolfo, who has abandoned her that night. (Mim�: "O buon Marcello, aiuto! � Oh, good Marcello, help me!") Marcello tells her that Rodolfo is sleeping at the inn. He has just awakened and is seeking Marcello, and Mim� conceals herself. Rodolfo first claims he left Mimi because of her coquettishness, but finally lets on that he fears she is consumed with a deadly illness (consumption/tuberculosis) and should be comforted by a wealthier suitor. Marcello, out of charity for Mim�, endeavours to silence him, but she has already heard all; she is discovered by her coughing. Marcello joins Musetta, Rodolfo and Mim� are about to separate (Mim�: "Donde lieta usc� � From here she happily left"), but are finally reconciled. Musetta approaches with Marcello, who is jealous. They depart after a fierce quarrel. (Quartet: Mim�, Rodolfo, Musetta, Marcello: "Addio dolce svegliare alla mattina! � Goodbye, sweet awakening in the morning!")
Act IV.Back in the garret. Marcello and Rodolfo are seemingly at work, though they are primarily bemoaning the loss of their respective beloveds. (Duet: "O Mim�, tu pi� non torni" � O Mim�, will you not return?) Schaunard and Colline arrive with a very frugal dinner. They parody a plentiful banquet, dance and sing. Musetta appears and says that Mim� is back, but she's very weakened by her illness, and all assist the dying girl. Musetta and Marcello depart to sell Musetta's earrings to get money for medicine; while Colline and Schaunard leave to pawn Colline's coat (Colline: "Vecchia zimarra � Old coat") Mim� and Rodolfo, left alone, recall their past happiness. (Duet, Mim� and Rodolfo: "Sono andati? � Have they gone?") The others return, and while Musetta prays aloud, Mimi dies. Schaunard checks on Mim� and sadly says that she's dead, Rodolfo is horrified, cries out Mim�'s name. ~ Performance photos by:
Michelle Giancola Shira Devra Photography Martin L. Young
FROM OPERA TO BROADWAY A Fun Evening, Under The Stars, Great Wine, Great Music ~ STARRING Maria Ciccaglione Shira Devra Flam Barbara Heller Nathan Baer ~ August 18, 2007, 5:30 P.M. Duck Walk Vineyards On The North Fork 44535 Main Rd Southold, New York 11971 ~
~ Performance photos by:
Michelle Giancola Martin L. Young
Giuseppe Verdi�s LA TRAVIATA Lyricism, Passion, A Courtesan In Love, The Price of Honor ~ September 8, 2007 Levitas Center for the Arts, 7:30 P.M Southampton, New York ~ Opera of the Hamptons International Cast features: Evelyn Thatcher - Violetta Anthony Tolve - Alfredo Richard Cassell - Giorgio Germont Charles Bosselman - Baron Duophol Gianmarco Marostica - Gastone Masami Morimoto - the Marquis d�Obigny Nathan Baer - Dr. Grenvil Julia Amisano - Annina Julian Whitley - Giuseppe Martin Young - Salon Guest Nelida Tirado - Dancer Stage Director, James Marvel; ~ Music Director, Atarah Hazzan Stage Manager Charles Bosselman Artistic Director Barbara Giancola ~
~ SynopsisPlace: Paris. Act IThe salon in Violetta's house Violetta Valery, a famed courtesan, throws a lavish party at her Paris salon to celebrate her recovery from an illness. Gastone, a count, has brought with him his friend, the young nobleman Alfredo Germont, who has long adored Violetta from afar. While walking to the salon, Gastone tells Violetta that Alfredo loves her so much and, while she was ill, he came by her house every day. Alfredo joins them, admitting the truth of Gastone's remarks. Violetta replies to Alfredo, "I�m indebted to you". The Baron waits not far from them to escort Violetta to the salon, but she walks to him saying, "You, Baron, never cared as much". The Baron replies, "I have just known you for a year". Violetta glares at Alfredo and says, "He just met me a minute ago!". At the salon, the Baron is asked to give a toast, but he refuses and the crowd turns to Alfredo (Alfredo, Violetta, chorus: Libiamo ne' lieti calici � "Drinking song"). From the next room, the orchestra begins to play and the guests move there to dance. Violetta feels dizzy and asks the guests to go ahead and to leave her to rest for a while to recover. The Baron leaves her alone. The guests dance in the next room, while Violetta looks at her face in her mirror. She looks pale. Alfredo enters and he expresses his concern for her fragile health and later declares his love for her (Alfredo, Violetta: Un di, felice, eterea � "The day I met you"). At first Violetta rejects him because his love means nothing to her. However, there is something about Alfredo that touches her heart. Alfredo is about to leave when she gives him a flower, telling him to return it when it has wilted. She promises to meet him the next day. After the guests leave, Violetta wonders if Alfredo could actually be the one in her life (Violetta : Ah, fors'� lui � "Perhaps he is the one"). But she concludes that she needs freedom to live her life (Violetta : Sempre libera � "Ever free"). From off stage, Alfredo's voice is heard demanding that she accept his love.
Act IIScene 1Violetta �s country house outside Paris Three months later, Alfredo and Violetta are living together in a peaceful country house outside Paris. Violetta has fallen in love with Alfredo and she has completely abandoned her former life. Alfredo sings of their happy life together (Alfredo: Di miei bollenti spiriti - "Wild my dream of ecstasy"). Annina, the maid arrives from Paris, and, when questioned by Alfredo, she says that she went there to sell the horses, carriages and everything owned by Violetta to support their country lifestyle. Alfredo is shocked to learn this and leaves for Paris immediately to settle matters himself. Violetta returns home and receives an invitation from her friend, Floria, inviting her to a party in Paris. Alfredo�s father, Germont is announced and demands that, for the sake of his family,she break off her relationship with his son. His father is impressed by Violetta�s nobility, which is not what he expected from a courtesan. According to Germont, Violetta�s relationship with Alfredo has threatened his daughter�s engagement (Germont: Pura siccome un angelo � "I have a daughter as pure as an angel") because of Violetta's reputation as a courtesan . Saying that she cannot break off the relationship because she loves Alfredo so much, Germont pleads with her for the sake of his family. With growing remorse in her heart, she finally agrees (Violetta, Germont : Dite alla giovine � "Say to this child of thine"). She says goodbye to Germont saying that they may not see each other again. Germont kisses her on her forehead, feeling very grateful for her kindness and sacrifice, before leaving her weeping alone. Violetta gives a note to Annina to send to Floria as acceptance of the party invitation. While writing a farewell letter to Alfredo, he enters. She can barely control her sadness and tears; she tells him repeatedly of her unconditional love before rushing out and handing the farewell letter to her servant to give to Alfredo. The servant gives the farewell letter to Alfredo. As soon as he finishes reading it, Germont comes in and attempts to comfort his son, reminding him of his family in Provence (Germont : Di Provenza il mar - "In Provence"). Alfredo suspects the Baron is behind his separation with Violetta and the party invitation, which he finds on the desk, strengthens his suspicions. He determines to confront Violetta at the party. Germont tries to stop Alfredo, but he rushes out.
Scene 2Party at Floria�s house At the party, the Marquis tells Flora that Violetta and Alfredo have separated. She calls for the entertainers to perform for the guests (Chorus: Noi siamo zingarelli - "We�re gypsies gay and youthful"); (Chorus: Di Madride noi siam mattadori � "We are bullfighters from Madrid"). Gastone and his friends join the matadors and sing (Gastone, chorus, dancers: E Piquillo, un bel gagliardo - "Twas Piquillo, so young and so daring"). Violetta arrives with Baron Douphol. They see Alfredo at the gambling table, and upon seeing them, Alfredo creates a big scene about his winning. The Baron feels annoyed. He goes to the gambling table and challenges him. Alfredo wins some large sums of money from the Baron until Floria announces that the supper is ready. Alfredo leaves with handfuls of money. Everyone goes in to supper, but Violetta has asked Alfredo to see her. Fear that the Baron's anger will lead him to challenge Alfredo to a duel, she gently asks Alfredo to leave. Alfredo misunderstands her apprehension and demands that she admit that she loves the Baron. In grief, she does so. Her confession makes Alfredo furious and he calls the guests to witness what he has to say. Alfredo humiliates and denounces Violetta in front of the guests, and then throws his winnings at her for her "services" while they lived together (Questa donna conoscete?). She falls, fainting onto the floor. The guests reprimand Alfredo: "Leave at once, we despise you. You have insulted a noble lady". In search of his son, Germont enters the hall. Knowing the real significance of the scene, he denounces his son's behavior (Germont, Alfredo, Violetta, chorus: Di sprezzo degno, se stesso rendo - "Worthy of contempt is the man"). Flora and the ladies attempt to persuade Violetta to leave the dining room, but, before doing so, Violetta turns to Alfredo and sings, Alfredo, Alfredo, di questo core non puoi comprendere tutto l�amore - "Alfredo, Alfredo, little canst thou fathom the love within my heart for thee".
Act IIIIn Violetta�s bedroom Dr. Grenvil tells Annina that Violetta will not live long as her tuberculosis has worsened. Alone in her room, Violetta reads a letter sent by Alfredo�s father saying the Baron was only wounded in his duel with Alfredo. The letter also states that he has informed Alfredo of the sacrifice Violetta made for him and his sister; and that he is sending his son to see her as quickly as possible to ask for her forgiveness. But Violetta senses it is too late (Violetta: Addio del passato � "So closes my sad story"). Annina rushes in the room to tell Violetta of the arrival of Alfredo. The lovers are reunited. Alfredo suggests that they leave Paris (Alfredo, Violetta: Parigi, o cara , noi lasceremo � "Dearest, we�ll leave Paris" ). But it is too late; she knows her time is up (Alfredo, Violetta: Gran Dio! morir si giovane - "O, God! to die so young"). The old Germont enters (Ah, Violetta) with the doctor. He regrets what he has done. Shortly after Violetta dies in Alfredo�s arms.
Performance photos by: Michelle Giancola Shira Devra Photography Martin L. Young
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