The Ohio State University’s opera, music and theater departments present two one-act operas this weekend in Weigel Auditorium.
Leonard Bernstein’s “Trouble in Tahiti” explores the deterioration of a marriage and tumultuous family life for its characters, Sam and Dinah. Set in middle America in the 1950s, the title of the opera is also the title of a low-budget movie where Dinah tries to escape her troubles. Directed by Richard Williams, the opera is filled with jazzy orchestrations typical of Bernstein’s award-winning style.
“Gianni Schicchi” by Giacomo Puccini, was first performed in 1918 and is a famed comical masterpiece. The opera begins with the disinherited relatives of a recently deceased man who gather around his deathbed and conspire to alter his will. Gianni Schicchi soon comes to their aid but ends up outwitting the greedy family and helping two young lovers find happiness along the way. OSU’s production is directed by Noel Koran.
“These two great short pieces by two of the world’s most renowned composers are combined for an evening of bittersweet and hilarious social comment,” Koran, director of opera in the School of Music, said in a statement. ” ‘Trouble in Tahiti’ takes a keenly satirical look at modern-day relationships and ‘Gianni Schicchi’ hilariously delves into the timeless world of greed and avarice.”
The two one-act operas will feature students and faculty from the School of Music, including director Marshall Haddock. The production will be presented at 7:30 p.m. tonight, at 8 p.m. tomorrow and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Weigel Hall Auditorium. Tickets are $12 general admission; $10 faculty, staff and Alumni Association members; and $8 for senior citizens and students. For tickets, call the Wexner Center ticket office at 292-3535.
