The MSU Opera Theatre will present two very different experiences in one performance: The world premiere of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” based on Washington Irving’s short story about Ichabod Crane, and “Gianni Schicchi,” based on a reference in Dante’s “Inferno.”
The opera “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” was composed by William Withem, a doctoral of musical arts degree candidate who will graduate from the MSU College of Music in May. Opera Theatre Director Melanie Helton wrote the libretto.
Helton, who also is an associate professor of voice at MSU, said producing the world premiere is part of the College of Music’s commitment to presenting new works. Florencia en el Amazonas, by contemporary composer Daniel Catán, was presented at MSU in 2007.
The “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” tells the tale of a superstitious schoolteacher as he competes with the town bully for the affections of a wealthy maiden. The opera blends humor, thrills, romance and adventure with a rich, cinematic score and state-of-the-art digital projections and includes the chase of the Headless Horseman. Designed for audiences of all ages, Sleepy Hollow is sung in English.
“Gianni Schicchi”, written by Giacomo Puccini, is updated to late 19th-century Florence and tells the comical story of a man who swindles the dysfunctional Donati family out of an undeserved inheritance so that his daughter can marry well. Puccini works his melodic magic in this comedy, which includes the famous soprano aria, “O mio babbino caro.” Sung in Italian, the audience will get some help translating Schicchi via English subtitles projected above the stage.
The two one-act operas will be presented three times in MSU’s Concert Auditorium at 8 p.m. Mar. 27 and Mar. 28 and 3 p.m. Mar. 29.
A preview lecture is slated for 45 minutes before each performance. But reservations are required.
Tickets for the “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Gianni Schicchi” are $18; $16 for senior citizens and $8 for students and those under 18, with a $2.50 Wharton Center restoration fee added.
Tickets are available from Wharton Center Box Office only. Call (517) 432-2000 or (800) WHARTON.
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