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Gianni Schicchi

An opera in one act by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto by Giovacchino Forzano
Performed in English

It begins with a death, but what should be a time of solemn mourning turns into a frantic search for the will, a flurry of self-centered greed and a roller-coaster ride to disaster…with the sharp-witted con man, Gianni Schicchi at the centre of the action.  With the famous aria “O mio babbino caro” and a love-story on the side, this is the perfect comic opera for all.

Add to this a first half, ‘Blooming Opera’ compèred by the incorrigible Mark Hadlow.  This programme of floral songs encompasses a whole bouquet of different species, from roses and violets to papier-mâché bluebells and gives renowned New Zealand baritone Martin Snell (Gianni Schicchi) and the cast a chance to display their vocal talents before they plunge into the mayhem of Puccini’s comic masterpiece.

Conductor: Peter Walls
Director: Mark Hadlow
Set Designer: Mark McEntyre
Costume Concept: Alistair McDougall
Lighting Designer: Joe Hayes

Arranged for instrumental ensemble by Michael Vinten with players from the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

 

SYNOPSIS

In his villa in Florence, the wealthy Buoso Donati dies.  His relatives hurry to his bedside, ostensibly to mourn but, in reality, to discover the contents of his will.  Betto relates a rumour he has heard that Buoso has left his entire fortune to the monks of Signa. Alarmed, the relatives search for the will. Rinuccio finds it but refuses to release it to his aunt Zita until the family agrees to allow him to marry Gianni Schicchi's daughter, Lauretta, whom he loves.  They hurriedly consent and Rinuccio sends for Gianni Schicchi and Lauretta. 

The relatives read the will and their worst fears are confirmed – the monks are to inherit Buoso’s wealth.  They immediately go back on their promise to Rinuccio and angrily dismiss his suggestion that Gianni Schicchi, who is known for his clever schemes, can solve their problem. 

Schicchi arrives with Lauretta to a very cold reception.  Seeing the downcast relatives he assumes that Buoso must have recovered.  On hearing the truth and of the rejection of his daughter, Schicchi refuses to help but is persuaded by Lauretta to look at the will.  Having read it, he states that there is nothing to be done, but then has an idea.  He orders the body to be hidden, and tells the women to remake the bed. Before he can explain his plan, Buoso's doctor arrives. Schicchi hides from him but imitates Buoso's voice, telling the doctor that he is feeling better. The doctor departs and Schicchi reveals his plan to impersonate Buoso and dictate a new will.  The family is thrilled and Rinuccio hurries to get the notary.  

The relatives agree on the division of property except for Buoso's mule, the sawmills and the house. They claim they are happy to let Schicchi apportion those items, but privately offer him bribes.  Schicchi reminds them that falsifying a will carries a heavy penalty  – the loss of a hand and permanent exile from Florence. 

The notary and witnesses arrive and, carefully disguised, Schicchi dictates a new will. He distributes all of the minor assets to family members as agreed but he leaves the mule, the house in Florence and the sawmills in Signa to his dear, beloved friend - Gianni Schicchi - silencing their protestations with a reminder of the penalties for fraud. 

Once the notary leaves, the furious relatives ransack the house and Schicchi chases them away from what is now his home.  Now that there is no obstacle to their marriage, Lauretta and Rinuccio embrace.  Schicchi turns to the audience and asks if this was not a fine use of Buoso's money?  He requests the audience's forgiveness for the trick he has played and asks for a verdict (by way of applause) of … Not Guilty!

Dates And Locations

• James Hay Theatre, Christchurch - Thursday 12th March
• James Hay Theatre, Christchurch - Saturday 14th March
• James Hay Theatre, Christchurch - Sunday 15th March
• James Hay Theatre, Christchurch - Tuesday 17th March
• Ashburton Trust Event Centre, Ashburton - Thursday 19th March
• Oamaru Opera House, Oamaru - Saturday 21st March

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