Opera Philadelphia

Verdi

Rigoletto

Rigoletto

Music by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
Performed in Italian with English Supertitles
Audio Description available

Opera Philadelphia returns to its longtime home for grand opera with Verdi’s unforgettable tragedy Rigoletto, one of the most popular works in the operatic canon. Featuring such well-known arias as Rigoletto’s passionate denouncement “Cortigiani, vil razza dannata,” Gilda’s dreamy “Caro nome,” and the Duke of Mantua’s instantly recognizable “La donna è mobile,” Rigoletto is a tale of fate, revenge, and the abuse of power.

In a timely production from New Zealand Opera, director Lindy Hume offers no mercy for powerful men who hurt women. Set at a “presidential palace” on election night, Hume confronts the newsmakers of today with a production that refuses to romanticize or ignore the Duke’s brutal treatment of women.

The cast features baritone Anthony Clark Evans, lauded for his “stentorian Verdi style” by the Chicago Tribune, as the cursed court jester. Tenor Joshua Blue makes his company and role debuts as the philandering Duke, with soprano Raven McMillon in her company and role debuts as Rigoletto’s daughter, Gilda. Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris leads the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus.

Rigoletto includes themes of sexual assault and depictions of violence against women.

Flashing lights will be used during the performance.

 

 

Opera Philadelphia has partnered with Art-Reach, Inc. and Nicole Sardella to provide Audio Description for this production on May 6. Learn more>>

Watch Play

Rigoletto video

MapAcademy of Music

Dates are Apr - May 2022.

Fri, Apr 29 8:00 p.m.
Sun, May 1 2:00 p.m.
Fri, May 6 8:00 p.m.
Sun, May 8 2:00 p.m.

Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission.

A New Zealand Opera Production

Leadership support has been provided by Judy and Peter Leone.

Maestro Corrado Rovaris’ engagement as the Jack Mulroney Music Director has been made possible by Mrs. John P. Mulroney.

Support for the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus has been provided by Alice and Walter Strine, Esqs.

Cast & Creative Team

Corrado Rovaris
Corrado RovarisConductor Underwritten by Mrs. John P. Mulroney
Lindy Hume
Lindy Hume *Original Director
Daniel Pelzig
Daniel Pelzig *Revival Director
Anthony Clark Evans
Anthony Clark Evans *as Rigoletto Underwritten by Mr. Peter A. Benoliel and Ms. Willo Carey
Raven McMillon
Raven McMillon *as Gilda Underwritten by the Estate of Mrs. Alise (Lee) Steinberg
Joshua Blue
Joshua Blue *as the Duke of Mantua Underwritten by Judith Durkin Freyer and Charles C. Freyer
Wei Wu
Wei Wu *as Sparafucile Underwritten by Mrs. Sandra K. Baldino
Kristen Choi
Kristen Choias Maddalena Underwritten by Mrs. Sheila Kessler
Ben Wager
Ben Wageras Count Monterone
Julius Ahn
Julius Ahnas Matteo Borsa
Robert Mellon
Robert Mellon *as Marullo
Kara Goodrich
Kara Goodrich *as Countess Ceprano Underwritten Dr. Joel and Mrs. Bobbie Porter
Grant Youngblood
Grant Youngblood *as Count Ceprano
Lauren Decker
Lauren Decker *as Giovanna
Lindsey Reynolds
Lindsey Reynoldsas the Page
Frank Mitchell
Frank Mitchellas The Usher
  • Richard Roberts * Set & Costume Design
  • Elizabeth Braden Chorus Master
  • Drew Billiau Lighting Designer
  • David Zimmerman Wig & Make-up Design
  • Jennifer Shaw Stage Manager
  • Gregory Boyle Assistant Director
  • Luci Burdick Assistant Stage Manager
  • Megan Coutts Assistant Stage Manager
  • *Opera Philadelphia debut
Giuseppe Verdi

The Composer

Giuseppe Verdi

Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi was born on October 10, 1813 in the small village of Roncole in Italy. At this time, however, the country of Italy did not yet exist but, rather, the area was made up of several small states, most under the domination of foreign powers.  When Verdi was born, the village of Roncole, and its surrounding province of Parma, was under the control of the French.  In fact, Verdi’s original birth certificate is French with his name registered as Joseph Fortunin François. Read more. 

 

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