Plácido Domingo conducts "Pagliacci" at LA Opera. / Photo courtesy of LA Opera
LA Opera’s final performance of “Gianni Schicchi” and “Pagliacci” will be broadcast live in HD from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to a huge screen at the Santa Monica Pier for a free public event on Saturday, Oct. 3. About 5,000 people are expected to attend Opera at the Beach.
This is LA Opera’s second year at the Santa Monica Pier, and Opera at the Beach is an event you won’t want to miss, especially for those who have never experienced opera before. These productions of “Gianni Schicchi” and “Pagliacci” are phenomenal [read Culture Spot LA’s review].
ABOUT THE SHOW: Two legendary directors combine forces for a sensational season opener. First, Plácido Domingo stars as Gianni Schicchi in Woody Allen’s riotous staging of Puccini’s comic masterpiece, conducted by Grant Gershon. When greedy relatives descend upon their kinsman’s deathbed, they enlist Gianni Schicchi to rewrite the will to their benefit. Handed an opportunity too good to resist, the devious Schicchi turns the tables, securing the future happiness of two young lovers in the process. After the intermission, Plácido Domingo conducts the conclusion of the double bill, Franco Zeffirelli’s epic production of “Pagliacci” starring Marco Berti, Ana María Martínez and George Gagnidze. Filling the stage with hair-raising drama, the action plays out in a breathtaking contemporary urban landscape. When a cuckolded husband takes his revenge, his desperate wife must fight for her life in front of a cheering, oblivious audience. Each is its own spectacle; together they are a wonderful example of music, humor and grand staging.
DETAILS:
· Saturday, 10/3 at 7 p.m.
· Gates open at 5 p.m. for pre-event picnicking.
· The event is free. LA Opera recommends reserving a spot online ($1 handling fee).
· In addition to the show, Los Angeles magazine is sponsoring a Wine Terrace which opens at 6 p.m. Enjoy wines curated by wineLA. $20 in advance, $30 at the door.
Fore more information, visit https://www.laopera.org/season/Gianni-Schicchi-Pagliacci/LA-Opera-Live-Broadcast/.