Tosca
THE BEAUTIFUL DIVA, FLORIA TOSCA HAS LIVED FOR HER ART, AND LIVED FOR LOVE, BUT MUST MAKE THE ULTIMATE CHOICE: WHETHER TO GIVE HERSELF TO ANOTHER, IN ORDER TO SAVE HER LOVER.
Puccini’s political operatic thriller is set in Rome in June 1800 (during the Napoleonic wars and a time of great political unrest). Unlike many operas, with the action takes place over less than 24 hours, the events in the opera occur in almost real-time. The plot centers around three main characters – Rome’s favorite diva Floria Tosca (Sonja Krenek), the painter and political activist Mario Cavaradossi (Joshua Collier), and the corrupt Chief of Police, Baron Scarpia (Wayne Hu). Scarpia has long lusted after Tosca, and when he suspects Cavaradossi of assisting Angelotti (Brian J. Alvarado), an escaped political prisoner, he seizes the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. He will manipulate Tosca into revealing the prisoner’s hiding place thus proving Cavaradossi’s treason, and with him out of the way, he will have her for himself.
Tosca
THE BEAUTIFUL DIVA, FLORIA TOSCA HAS LIVED FOR HER ART, AND LIVED FOR LOVE, BUT MUST MAKE THE ULTIMATE CHOICE: WHETHER TO GIVE HERSELF TO ANOTHER, IN ORDER TO SAVE HER LOVER.
Puccini’s political operatic thriller is set in Rome in June 1800 (during the Napoleonic wars and a time of great political unrest). Unlike many operas, with the action takes place over less than 24 hours, the events in the opera occur in almost real-time. The plot centers around three main characters – Rome’s favorite diva Floria Tosca (Sonja Krenek), the painter and political activist Mario Cavaradossi (Joshua Collier), and the corrupt Chief of Police, Baron Scarpia (Wayne Hu). Scarpia has long lusted after Tosca, and when he suspects Cavaradossi of assisting Angelotti (Brian J. Alvarado), an escaped political prisoner, he seizes the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. He will manipulate Tosca into revealing the prisoner’s hiding place thus proving Cavaradossi’s treason, and with him out of the way, he will have her for himself.
BARN OPERA’s New Years Celebration 2023 - From Venice to Vermont
Continuing the tradition of BARN OPERA New Years Eve, this year, we are partnering with The Brandon Inn and the Neshobe Cafe to bring a great event, filled with delicious food, beautiful music, and invaluable community and friendship!
The evening’s events will be divided into two parts.
Part I - The Masquerade: Dress however you’d like, from black tie, to Vermont outlandish, donning your feathered (or otherwise) Venetian masks! Welcome drinks, the Catered meal by Neshobe Cafe, as well as a beautiful candlelit concert of operatic favorites performed on the Steinway B piano by the incredible Claire Black, accompanying a cast of all Vermont-local artists, celebrating the artistry of Vermont. Your favorite pieces from Puccini, Verdi, Gounod, and even some Bernstein will warm your heart in the cold Vermont evening. After the concert, there will be coffee and dessert in the dining room.
Part II - Club BRANDON: Guests will be welcomed back into the ballroom where the candles will have been replaced with fog, lasers, dancing music, as well as the streaming of the fireworks and celebration of NYE over Times Square in NYC. At midnight, we will have a champagne toast, and then continue to dance the night away, welcoming in 2024 until 2am.
Plan to stay in the Brandon Inn for any time from the evening of 12/29/2023 until 1/1/2024 for a 15% discount on all rooms, using the code that will be provided to all ticket-holders on the Brandon Inn’s website (www.thebrandoninnn.com) or by calling (802) 747-8300. (Availability extremely limited!)
Tickets for the event are available online at www.barnopera.com/tickets, or in person at the front desk of the Brandon Inn, or at the Neshobe Cafe. As it is a limited capacity event, we expect this event to sell out, so hurry and get your tickets soon, and we look forward to seeing you at the Brandon Inn on New Year’s Eve!
Amahl & the Night Visitors (Williston Federated Church #2)
BARN OPERA has developed a reputation over the past 4 years for their heartwarming and poignant, “Community-Christmas-Card,” production of Amahl & the Night Visitors at the Salisbury Congregational Church. This year, for the first time, the production will be traveling to Williston Federated Church and introducing this wonderful event to the Williston and Chittenden County community as well. The acclaimed production is to be headlined by the dream team of Sopranos Helen Lyons and Ambrose Cusick, Baritones (and Music Director/Associate Director of BARN OPERA) Cailin Marcel Manson, Nicholas Tocci, Tenor (and Artistic Director of BARN OPERA) Joshua Collier, and Cameron Wescott, with Kristen Carr leading the production from the piano.
In addition to the annual two performances (5:30 & 7:30p) at Salisbury Congregational Church on the 21st of December, Williston Congregational Church will be welcoming BARN OPERA into their sanctuary for one day of performances as well, December 22nd (5:30 & 7:30p). We are thrilled to invite our friends and neighbors in Williston, and the surrounding environs, to experience this beautiful piece. Information and tickets are available now at www.barnopera.com/amahl-and-the-night-visitors
Amahl & the Night Visitors (Williston Federated Church #1)
BARN OPERA has developed a reputation over the past 4 years for their heartwarming and poignant, “Community-Christmas-Card,” production of Amahl & the Night Visitors at the Salisbury Congregational Church. This year, for the first time, the production will be traveling to Williston Federated Church and introducing this wonderful event to the Williston and Chittenden County community as well. The acclaimed production is to be headlined by the dream team of Sopranos Helen Lyons and Ambrose Cusick, Baritones (and Music Director/Associate Director of BARN OPERA) Cailin Marcel Manson, Nicholas Tocci, Tenor (and Artistic Director of BARN OPERA) Joshua Collier, and Cameron Wescott, with Kristen Carr leading the production from the piano.
In addition to the annual two performances (5:30 & 7:30p) at Salisbury Congregational Church on the 21st of December, Williston Congregational Church will be welcoming BARN OPERA into their sanctuary for one day of performances as well, December 22nd (5:30 & 7:30p). We are thrilled to invite our friends and neighbors in Williston, and the surrounding environs, to experience this beautiful piece. Information and tickets are available now at www.barnopera.com/amahl-and-the-night-visitors
Amahl & the Night Visitors (Salisbury Congregational Church #2)
BARN OPERA has developed a reputation over the past 4 years for their heartwarming and poignant, “Community-Christmas-Card,” production of Amahl & the Night Visitors at the Salisbury Congregational Church. This year, for the first time, the production will be traveling to Williston Federated Church and introducing this wonderful event to the Williston and Chittenden County community as well. The acclaimed production is to be headlined by the dream team of Sopranos Helen Lyons and Ambrose Cusick, Baritones (and Music Director/Associate Director of BARN OPERA) Cailin Marcel Manson, Nicholas Tocci, Tenor (and Artistic Director of BARN OPERA) Joshua Collier, and Cameron Wescott, with Kristen Carr leading the production from the piano.
In addition to the annual two performances (5:30 & 7:30p) at Salisbury Congregational Church on the 21st of December, Williston Congregational Church will be welcoming BARN OPERA into their sanctuary for one day of performances as well, December 22nd (5:30 & 7:30p). We are thrilled to invite our friends and neighbors in Williston, and the surrounding environs, to experience this beautiful piece. Information and tickets are available now at www.barnopera.com/amahl-and-the-night-visitors
Amahl & the Night Visitors (Salisbury Congregational Church #1)
BARN OPERA has developed a reputation over the past 4 years for their heartwarming and poignant, “Community-Christmas-Card,” production of Amahl & the Night Visitors at the Salisbury Congregational Church. This year, for the first time, the production will be traveling to Williston Federated Church and introducing this wonderful event to the Williston and Chittenden County community as well. The acclaimed production is to be headlined by the dream team of Sopranos Helen Lyons and Ambrose Cusick, Baritones (and Music Director/Associate Director of BARN OPERA) Cailin Marcel Manson, Nicholas Tocci, Tenor (and Artistic Director of BARN OPERA) Joshua Collier, and Cameron Wescott, with Kristen Carr leading the production from the piano.
In addition to the annual two performances (5:30 & 7:30p) at Salisbury Congregational Church on the 21st of December, Williston Congregational Church will be welcoming BARN OPERA into their sanctuary for one day of performances as well, December 22nd (5:30 & 7:30p). We are thrilled to invite our friends and neighbors in Williston, and the surrounding environs, to experience this beautiful piece. Information and tickets are available now at www.barnopera.com/amahl-and-the-night-visitors
La Cenerentola (Cinderella) (Copy)
One of the most popular stories for children, Cinderella is known throughout the whole world for its aspirational message of acceptance, regardless of circumstance. Rossini’s effervescent musical treatment of this story replaces the magic of the fairy godmother, with wit and goodness, to prove that even the lowliest stepdaughter could grow up to be a princess.
La Cenerentola (Cinderella)
One of the most popular stories for children, Cinderella is known throughout the whole world for its aspirational message of acceptance, regardless of circumstance. Rossini’s effervescent musical treatment of this story replaces the magic of the fairy godmother, with wit and goodness, to prove that even the lowliest stepdaughter could grow up to be a princess.
GATSBY (World Premiere) (Copy)
Based on the famous novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Canadian composer Andrew Ager, presents scenes from the book in a pastiche manner, with jazz age harmonies, and beautiful melodies, come see why Jay Gatsby is so enamored with the green light across the bay from his Long Island Mansion.
GATSBY (World Premiere)
Based on the famous novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Canadian composer Andrew Ager, presents scenes from the book in a pastiche manner, with jazz age harmonies, and beautiful melodies, come see why Jay Gatsby is so enamored with the green light across the bay from his Long Island Mansion.
Castellopera al Mare 2023
BARN OPERA’s Artistic Team joins with Italian artistic powerhouses Marco Attura and Scilla Cristiano in the Adriatic seaside town of Cesenatico, to offer invaluable guidance to emerging artists both in operatic performance but also in Italian language development! Capstone performances of Puccini’s La Boheme and Gianni Schicchi will be presented to the Italian audience. Information to attend both as student and as a community member available at www.castellopera.com
Giacomo’s Muse (World Premiere!) (Copy)
World premiere of the opera by Philip Henderson and Douglas Macari centering on the work of young composer Giac who communicates with the spirit of famous opera composer, Giacomo P, in order to get some inspiration for his new opera, and to clarify scandalous historical ambiguity.
Giacomo’s Muse (World Premiere!)
World premiere of the opera by Philip Henderson and Douglas Macari centering on the work of young composer Giac who communicates with the spirit of famous opera composer, Giacomo P, in order to get some inspiration for his new opera, and to clarify scandalous historical ambiguity.
The Letters of Charlotte (Copy)
It's Christmas time, and the aging Charlotte is reminiscing about her time with her first love, the poet Werther. Told through a series of letters and flashbacks, Goethe's story is a tremendously tragic love story made even more powerful by the passionate music of Massenet - often referred to as the French Puccini. In this production, the characters of her youth appear before her, with the story spiraling toward the eventuality of her life's story. BARN OPERA's artistic director, Joshua Collier creates this streamlined production.
The Letters of Charlotte
It's Christmas time, and the aging Charlotte is reminiscing about her time with her first love, the poet Werther. Told through a series of letters and flashbacks, Goethe's story is a tremendously tragic love story made even more powerful by the passionate music of Massenet - often referred to as the French Puccini. In this production, the characters of her youth appear before her, with the story spiraling toward the eventuality of her life's story. BARN OPERA's artistic director, Joshua Collier creates this streamlined production.
BARN OPERA Performs at the Vermont Legislature for Farmer’s Night
BARN OPERA presents Joshua Collier (Artistic Director), Nicholas Tocci (Associate Director), Helen Lyons (Founding Soprano), and Claire Black (Principal Pianist) in an evening of songs about LOVE, and all the various meanings of that emotion! Join us at the Vermont State House for some of our favorite music from the operatic and musical theatre repertory! (Free and open to the public!)
New Year's Eve 2022 - The Pirates of Penzance
The second annual BARN OPERA New Year’s Eve fundraising gala, after the wildly successful “H.M.S. Pinafore” by Gilbert and Sullivan on NYE 2021. The Pirates of Penzance is the hysterical story of a young boy, Frederic, who is released from his indentured servitude as a pirate, and attempts to assimilate into polite society, leaving the Pirate King, his former associates, and his beloved nursemaid, Ruth, behind. He falls in love with the Major General’s daughter, Mabel, and everything seems to be going his way. Unfortunately for Frederic, there is a slight snag in the plans, as a detail of his piratehood was overlooked, and now this paradox forces the “slave of duty” to choose where his unwavering loyalty lies. Be a part of BARN OPERA’s end-of-year fundraising efforts, and join us for this uproariously funny story, with absolutely gorgeous music. (Tickets and further information available mid 2022)
Amahl and the Night Visitors
“Amahl and the Night Visitors” was the first opera to be broadcast to a national television audience — that was back on Dec. 24, 1951. The story revolves around a young handicapped boy and his mother, who live in a poor village on the route the three kings travel to meet the Christ-child after his birth. The kings arrive, weary from their journey and they stop for the night, enjoying the hospitality of Amahl and his mother. There is a great disparity in the wealth of the kings and Amahl’s mother, and socio-economic conflict ensues, with a beautiful resolution fitting the spirit of the season you’ll have to see. Join us for the 3rd annual production of this wonderful Holiday operatic classic in partnership with the Salisbury Congregational Church.
TWO PERFORMANCES DAILY @ 5:30 and 7:30pm - The show’s runtime is around 50 Minutes
Amahl and the Night Visitors
“Amahl and the Night Visitors” was the first opera to be broadcast to a national television audience — that was back on Dec. 24, 1951. The story revolves around a young handicapped boy and his mother, who live in a poor village on the route the three kings travel to meet the Christ-child after his birth. The kings arrive, weary from their journey and they stop for the night, enjoying the hospitality of Amahl and his mother. There is a great disparity in the wealth of the kings and Amahl’s mother, and socio-economic conflict ensues, with a beautiful resolution fitting the spirit of the season you’ll have to see. Join us for the 3rd annual production of this wonderful Holiday operatic classic in partnership with the Salisbury Congregational Church.
TWO PERFORMANCES DAILY @ 5:30 and 7:30pm - The show’s runtime is around 50 Minutes
The Letters of Charlotte (a Collier adaptation of Massenet's Werther) (Copy)
Unrequited love is difficult to handle in the best of times, with the best of people, but when that lover is a german romantic poet, the outlook is bleak. In Massenet’s Werther, the village girl, Charlotte is engaged to be married to Albert, but becomes enamoured with, and edges with falling in love with the handsome poet, Werther. Unfortunately for Werther, Charlotte decides to honor her commitment to Albert, causing Werther to spiral into terminal depression, ultimately choosing to end his life if Charlotte was not in it. Charlotte arrives just after the gunshot, and professes her love to Werther as he breathes his last breath. The Collier adaptation begins 70 years later, when Charlotte is an old woman, as she begins to remember the day that she met Werther, the love of her life.
The Letters of Charlotte (a Collier adaptation of Massenet's Werther)
Unrequited love is difficult to handle in the best of times, with the best of people, but when that lover is a german romantic poet, the outlook is bleak. In Massenet’s Werther, the village girl, Charlotte is engaged to be married to Albert, but becomes enamoured with, and edges with falling in love with the handsome poet, Werther. Unfortunately for Werther, Charlotte decides to honor her commitment to Albert, causing Werther to spiral into terminal depression, ultimately choosing to end his life if Charlotte was not in it. Charlotte arrives just after the gunshot, and professes her love to Werther as he breathes his last breath. The Collier adaptation begins 70 years later, when Charlotte is an old woman, as she begins to remember the day that she met Werther, the love of her life.
The Nutcracker
Join BARN OPERA for an afternoon specifically for families with hot cocoa, cookies, and a screening of the Nutcracker, with enough stagespace for anyone who wants to dance along! Bring your best tutu and ballet slippers, and come enjoy Tchaikovsky’s magnificent holiday masterpiece!
Ariadne auf Naxos (Copy)
When a wealthy opera lover commissions an opera to be performed at his country villa, and his wife demands a broadway musical review, their only hope of marital bliss is to compromise. However, with only one day for performance, the opera and the musical must coexist and be a part of the same production. Hell hath no fury like a diva scorned, and this hilarious operatic collision of the sacred and the profane is definitely one for the storybooks.
Ariadne auf Naxos
When a wealthy opera lover commissions an opera to be performed at his country villa, and his wife demands a broadway musical review, their only hope of marital bliss is to compromise. However, with only one day for performance, the opera and the musical must coexist and be a part of the same production. Hell hath no fury like a diva scorned, and this hilarious operatic collision of the sacred and the profane is definitely one for the storybooks.
The Soprano Lives! (Copy)
In all the many operas written in the “verismo” style, there are very few that do not result in the soprano tragically dying, either by a jilted lover, or some other horrible means. At BARN OPERA, we care about sopranos, and have found two notable exceptions to the rule: Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana, and Puccini’s Il Tabarro. In both cases, it is a love triangle that is the crux of the drama, but in both cases, the soprano survives - the tenor, however, isn’t quite so fortunate.
The Soprano Lives!
In all the many operas written in the “verismo” style, there are very few that do not result in the soprano tragically dying, either by a jilted lover, or some other horrible means. At BARN OPERA, we care about sopranos, and have found two notable exceptions to the rule: Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana, and Puccini’s Il Tabarro. In both cases, it is a love triangle that is the crux of the drama, but in both cases, the soprano survives - the tenor, however, isn’t quite so fortunate.
Don Pasquale
Donizetti’s comic romp, transported to 1980’s Staten Island Italian restaurant, Don Pasquale and his nephew Ernesto are having some trouble seeing eye to eye about legacy and inheritance, but fortunately Malatesta knows the way to make everyone get what they need - if not exactly what they want.
Don Pasquale
Donizetti’s comic romp, transported to 1980’s Staten Island Italian restaurant, Don Pasquale and his nephew Ernesto are having some trouble seeing eye to eye about legacy and inheritance, but fortunately Malatesta knows the way to make everyone get what they need - if not exactly what they want.
H.M.S. Pinafore (BARN OPERA New Year's Bash!)
Ring in the New Year (and bid good riddance to 2021!) with BARN OPERA with this wonderful evening, celebrating our friends across the pond with streamed fireworks, hors d'oeuvres, champagne toast, and an audience participatory production of Gilbert & Sullivan's remarkably witty, and impossibly tuneful masterpiece, H.M.S. Pinafore!
Schedule of Events (all in EDT):
7:00pm- Stream the fireworks over London as they celebrate the New Year
8:00pm - Semi-Staged/Concert Performance of H.M.S. Pinafore
10:30pm - Party Music and celebration
11:50pm - Stream Times Square New Year's Eve
2:00a - End
The show opens with the crew of the H.M.S. Pinafore polishing brasswork and splicing lines as Little Buttercup arrives with her basket of wares and singing “Poor Little Buttercup.” Dick Deadeye appears, and the crew agrees that he is easily as unpopular as he claims to be. The young sailor, Ralph Rakestraw enters next and reveals, through the song “A Maiden Fair to See,” that he is in love with a girl who is, alas, far above his social station. In fact, he is love with none other than Josephine, the captain’s daughter.
Enter Captain Corcoran, who is hardly ever sick at sea. He relates that his daughter is being sought in marriage by Sir Joseph Porter, first lord of the admiralty, but she isn’t taking kindly to it. In fact, his daughter Josephine enters next, with a small basket of flowers. Sadly, she tells her father that she has great respect for Sir Joseph but her heart is given to another, a humble sailor on her father’s own ship. Sadly, she vows to carry her love to the tomb, never revealing it to the one she loves.
Enter Sir Joseph with an entourage of female relatives. Sir Joseph sings “I Am the Ruler of The Queen’s Navee,” revealing that he has absolutely no naval experience. In the speech that follows, he posits a belief that each noble English seaman is only lower than the captain in social rank due to an “accident of birth” and is any man’s equal, including his own. Sir Joseph compliments Ralph Rakestraw as an exemplary seaman. Ralph takes courage from Sir Joseph’s equality speech, and all his mates, except Dick Deadeye, agree that he should make his feelings for Josephine known.
Josephine enters, lamenting Sir Joseph’s advances and in an aside she reveals to the audience that Ralph is the object of her love. In eloquent speech, Ralph declares his love for her. She spurns his advances, calling his attention to the difference in their social stations. Ralph decides that his life no longer has meaning and decides to shoot himself. Josephine reappears, crying “Stay your hand, I love you!”
Act Two finds the captain singing ”Fair Moon, to Thee I Sing” as Buttercup gazes longingly at him. He would love her, the captain declares, were it not for the difference in social stations. Buttercup tells the captain there is a change in store for him as they sing “Things Are Seldom What They Seem”.
Sir Joseph comes to tell that the captain that his daughter just won’t do. The captain urges Sir Joseph to tell Josephine that the difference in their social ranking is not important if two people love each other.
Josephine laments the quandary she finds herself in. Whom should she choose, Sir Joseph with his wealth and social status, or poor Ralph Rakestraw, whom she loves dearly? Sir Joseph, unwittingly, helps her to make up her mind with his assurance that social rank is unimportant.
Dick Deadeye arrives and reveals that Ralph and Josephine are planning to elope. The captain, Sir Joseph, and Dick intercept the young couple, vowing to put Ralph to the lash. The crew sings “He Is an Englishman,” and the captain breaks his vow never to swear. Sir Joseph defends Ralph as anyone’s equal until Josephine appears and rushes to Ralph’s arms, whereupon he demands that Ralph be taken to the dungeon. Buttercup then reveals her long-kept secret. Long ago, she had nursed two infants, one of lowly birth, the other a patrician. She mixed the infants up, switching one for the other. The captain was the common-born child, and Ralph the child of privilege!
Ralph, then, is one of superior social rank and can choose to marry Josephine. The captain, being common-born, has no social standing over Buttercup and can marry her. Sir Joseph decides that Hebe, his own cousin, would make a suitable wife, and three weddings ensue.