March 21 & 23, 2025
Friday at 7:30 PM | Sunday at 2:30 PM
NEW VENUE:
Pitman Theater, Alverno College
3431 S 39th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215
DOUBLE BILL
Il maestro di cappella an operatic monodrama by Domenico Cimarosa (20min)
Between the acts: Spoken Interval (25min)
This time, the pre-show talk happens on stage between Il Maestro di Cappella and Viva la Mamma! Stick around for 25 minutes of insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and everything you need to dive into the comedy ahead. No need to come early—just enjoy the ride!
Viva la Mamma a two act opera buffo by Gaetano Donizetti (90min with no intermission)
Performed in Italian with English supertitles
Rated PG
Performance Events
Versed
March 3, 2025
At 5:30pm
Lueders Opera Center
Opening Night Post-Show Party
March 21, 2025
Pitman Theater Lobby
Cash bar
Role Sponsor - Mamma Agata
Bob Balderson
Il maestro di cappella is a one-act operatic intermezzo that portrays a pompous maestro rehearsing an orchestra, often imitating the sound of the instruments. It's an amusing monodrama for a bass-baritone, highlighting the humorous aspects of musical direction.
Donizetti’s Viva la Mamma hilariously portrays a theatrical company struggling with a stage mother who insists on controlling every aspect of her daughter's career, much to the director’s dismay. Dueling divas, a meddling maestro and grocer/poet complicate the production woes. Amidst chaos and comedic mishaps, the opera satirizes operatic stereotypes, showcasing the absurdities and egos within the world of theater - all with glorious bel canto melodies and some terrific singing.
Need the TL;DR? Don’t worry—Maggey’s got you covered! Here’s her quick take:
Artists & Cast
Composed by Gaetano Donizetti
Libretto by Domenico Gilardoni, adapted from Antonio Simeone Sografi's plays Le convenienze teatrali (1794) and Le inconvenienze teatrali (1800).
Conducted by Anthony Barrese
Stage director by Jill Anna Ponasik
Scenic Designer: Lisa Schlenker
Lighting Designer: Aaron Lichamer
Costume Designer: Lynly Saunders
Wig & Makeup Designer: Erica Cartledge
Supertitles Designer: Dyan Yoder
Properties Supervisor: Simone Tegge
Ensemble curated by Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Donna Agata Scannagalli, mother of Luigia Patrick Carfizzi
Daria, prima donna Alisa Jordheim^
Procolo, her husband Aaron Agulay*
Biscroma Strappaviscere, maestro di cappella, Spencer Reichman^
Luigia, seconda donna Sara LeMesh +
Guglielmo, primo tenore, a German Jerek Fernández +
Pippetto, primo musico Lauryn Nelson +
Cesare Salzapariglia, grocer and poet Brandan Sanchez +
Impresario, Bill McMurray *
Direttore, Steele Fitzwater *
Stage Hand, Nicholas Lin
*Indicates Florentine Opera Debut | + Baumgartner Studio Artist | ^ Baumgartner Studio Artist Alum
