Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi are two one act operas orchestrated by Giacomo Puccini. The first, Suor Angelica, takes place in a convent in the late 1600s. The main character, Suor Angelica (Emily Cohen), has been placed in the convent by her family who was embarrassed after she gave birth to an illegitimate son. She spends seven years at this convent waiting for news from her family and taking care of all the other sisters. She is
dearly loved. She finally receives word from her family when her aunt, La Zia Principessa (Marina Tricarico), visits. She hears that her younger sister is to be married and that she must sign papers giving over the family property to the newlyweds. Begging her aunt for news about her son, she finds out that he had died two years earlier. She can’t bear the news and sings about wanting to die in order to see her son. Being very good with herbs and floral remedies, she mixes together a poison which kills her, reuniting herself with her son in heaven.
Gianni Schicchi, the second of the two one-act operas, instead of being a sad depressing tale, is a comedy. It starts off in Florence, Italy in the 13th century. The curtains open to the home of Buoso Donati (Edward Kim), all his relatives running in and out. Buoso is very ill and could die at any moment. Instead of worrying about losing a family member, the rest of the family only worries about their inheritance. They are worried that all the money and land in the will, instead of being evenly distributed within the family, will all go to charity. After Buoso finally dies, they discover the will and they learn that they were correct. They wouldn’t receive any inheritance! The greedy family turns to Gianni Schicchi (Aaron Mor), the only man in the city who could help them with deceit. He comes up with a plan to re-write the will officially, with a notary (A.J. Malakoff) present. Stuffing the real Buoso Donati under his bed, Gianni dresses up as the dying man. The family members each come to him, asking for different parts of the land. The only thing left to be decided on was the land they were standing on. Everyone wanted this land and couldn’t decide to whom it should be left. They finally agree to let Gianni decide for them. Before the notary arrives, Gianni warns the family that if anyone is caught in deceit, their hands would be cut off. The notary comes to write the will, and everything goes as planned. The family members are happy and awaiting the news of who will inherit the best land of all. When it comes to mentioning it, “Buoso” tells the notary that he wants to give the mule, the mill, and the land to his dear friend Gianni Schicchi. The family is infuriated, but with the warnings sung by Gianni in between his words to the notary, they can’t do anything about it. The notary leaves, which leaves Gianni able to kick everyone out of his house.
The voices of the Theatre South actors were superb. There was a little bit of technical difficulties with the amplification at the beginning, but other than that, everyone was heard really well. The acting in Gianni Schicchi made for a very funny and enjoyable one-act opera. The orchestra played beautifully as well. It’s hard to believe that a high school could put on a production like this!
Suor Angelica/Gianni Schicchi
William A. Shine GNSHS
April 16, 2010
Marina B. Nebro
