March 10, 2011
K-State Opera Theatre presents "Gianni Schicchi" and "Trouble in Tahiti"
On March 10-12, K-State Opera Theatre presents "Gianni Schicchi" and "Trouble in Tahiti," two one-act productions in McCain Auditorium. All performances are at 7:30 p.m.
In the comic opera "Gianni Schicchi" by Giacomo Puccini, relatives of the wealthy Buoso Donati exaggerate their mourning when he dies. They expect to be amply consoled by their inheritance, but chaos ensues when the relatives discover that Donati has left his fortune to charity. They call upon the less-than-scrupulous Schicchi to secure their inheritance.
In "Trouble in Tahiti," Leonard Bernstein examines a married couple in the 1950s. Amid a seemingly idyllic suburban backdrop, the marriage has ups and downs. And there is much to learn -- and feel -- as the couple finds their way. Like his "West Side Story" and "Candide," Bernstein speaks to our hearts in this one-act masterpiece with music the Portland Opera News dubs as "lively, jazzy and uniquely American."
Reginald Pittman, K-State professor of music, will direct "Gianni Schicchi" and "Trouble in Tahiti." K-State Theatre faculty designers are John Uthoff, lighting design; Kathy Voecks, scenic design; and Dana Pinkston, costume design.
Tickets are $16 for the general public, $14 for seniors and military and $11 for students. Saturday, March 12, is faculty and staff night; faculty and staff can receive $2 off of their tickets for this performance by telling the box office that they are faculty or staff. Tickets can be purchased at the McCain Auditorium box office from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by calling McCain at 785-532-6428 during box office hours. Tickets also may be purchased at the Little Theater box office in the K-State Student Union from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Groups of 10 or more may receive a discount rate. For more information or assistance in planning a theater party, contact Marci Maullar at 785-532-6878.