CCM Opera mounts a rarely performed Mozart comedy with a modern twist

Just like in the real world, opera is full of human hopes, fears, love and heartbreak. With larger-than-life characters and drama, some opera can seem to have more in common with The Real World, MTV’s classic reality TV show. CCM's production of Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera takes this similarity and runs with it — the story all unfolds on a sound stage, and the characters are all members of a reality TV cast who play up their personal drama for the benefit of the cameras. The production runs Oct 31-Nov 2, 2024, in Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

It’s easy to see how the plot of La Finta could be a reality show — the story teeters playfully on the edge of melodrama and absurdity. Characters fall for the wrong people, or the right people disguised as someone else, old grudges are brought to light and the central love triangle is really more of a love heptagon.

Before the events of the opera, Countess Violante and her lover Count Belfiore argue, and Belfiore accidentally stabs her and flees the scene. Violante survives and disguises herself as a gardener named Sandrina, finding work in the house of a wealthy mayor. When the opera begins, the mayor and his servants are preparing for the wedding of his niece, Arminda. Her fiancé shows up, and it’s none other than Count Belfiore. General confusion ensues as he’s confronted with Sandrina, a woman who looks and sounds just like his supposedly dead lover. Side characters, the loveable servants Serpetta and Nardo and the lovesick nobleman Ramiro, add humor to the madness. 

In addition to the antics of the libretto, CCM’s production creates even more opportunity to let the audience in on the comedy. “We get an onstage and backstage experience with our concept,” says director Brian Robertson. As characters weave on and off camera, they often address the audience directly from a confessional booth, a moment of fourth-wall breaking trope commonly found on reality TV. 

Though the concept is decidedly modern, the set and costume designs, by Gabby S. Trice and Cassie Smith respectfully, playfully use period details from the 18th century. The anachronistic details, cellphones mixed with corsets and huge skirts, “allow us to have fun…as the modern offstage world invades the illusion of our period world,” remarks Robertson.

Composed when he was just 18, La Finta Giardiniera glows with Mozart’s precocious understanding of the human voice and ability to illuminate drama through music. Celebrated for his elegant, vivacious approach to early music, guest conductor Gary Thor Wedow leads the ensemble in a spirited performance of the score, bringing its nuances, buoyancy and passion to life.

Don’t miss the chance to see this rare gem on stage, and all the antics off camera—get your tickets now for La Finta Giardiniera.

Preview photos from the Oct. 30 dress rehearsal of La Finta Giardiniera. Pictured in this gallery: Carlos Ahrens, Sang Bin Park, Junyue Gong, Ian Pathak, Morgan Small, Nia Spaulding and Holly Thomas. All photography by Mark Lyons. View complete cast and crew credits here.

Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 
Libretto attributed to Giuseppe Petrosellini  
Edited for the New Mozart Edition by Rudolph Angermüller and Dietrich Berke 

Used by arrangement with European American Music Distributors Company, U.S. and Canadian agent for Bärenreiter-Verlag, publisher and copyright owner.

• 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
• 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1
• 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
• Estimated run time: 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission

Tickets: $36 adult, $20 student, $15 UC faculty/staff, $10 UC student, $5 CCM student; group discounts available.

Experiencing the magic of CCM OnStage has never been easier! Purchase your tickets:

• Online at ccmonstage.universitytickets.com
• Over the phone at 513-556-4183
• In person at the CCM Box Office in the Atrium of UC's Corbett Center for the Performing Arts

CCM’s Box Office hours are Tue-Fri from 1-5 p.m. and one hour prior to curtain for ticketed performances. Hours subject to change based on the University of Cincinnati calendar. Our Box Office staff is always ready to answer your questions by phone at 513-556-4183 or email at boxoff@uc.edu. 

CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. For detailed driving directions, visit ccm.uc.edu/directions.

Parking is available in UC's CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Effective July 1, 2023, all University of Cincinnati Parking Services locations are cashless. Pay for parking securely with your credit/debit card. All major credit cards accepted.

CCM OnStage patrons can add pre-paid parking to their checkout carts when purchasing tickets. Pre-paid parking is date/performance specific. CCM Garage parking rates for a performance or special event is usually available for $10-15. Learn more about parking at UC's CCM Garage.

For additional information on parking at UC, please visit uc.edu/about/parking.

There's more to explore — view our full performance schedule by month or visit the CCM Box Office website to buy tickets. 

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