Encore series will feature popular Met Operas returning to the big screen
Sedona AZ (October 23, 2020) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the encore of the Met Opera productions of Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” and Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci” (from the 2015 season) on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
There will be a pre-opera talk at 9 a.m. led by Russell Fox.
The cast of “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci” includes Eva-Maria Westbroek (Santuzza), Patricia Racette (Nedda), Marcelo Álvarez Turiddu/Canio), George Gagnidze (Alfio/Tonio). Fabio Luisi is the conductor of the operas.
Director David McVicar’s new production brings opera’s favorite double bill to new life, setting the two operas in the same Sicilian setting, separated by two generations. Marcelo Álvarez takes on the rare feat of singing both leading tenor roles. In Cavalleria, he is Turiddu, the young man who abandons Santuzza (Eva-Maria Westbroek) in his pursuit of the married Lola (Ginger Costa-Jackson)—and ends up being killed in a duel with her husband, Alfio (George Gagnidze). In Pagliacci, Álvarez is Canio, the leader of a traveling vaudeville troupe. Patricia Racette sings Nedda, his unfaithful young wife, whose plans to run away with her lover are foiled by her spurned admirer Tonio (George Gagnidze) — with equally tragic consequences. Met Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi is on the podium.
“Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci” from the Metropolitan Opera will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 10:00 a.m. with a pre-opera talk by Russell Fox starting at 9 a.m. Tickets are $15, or $12.50 for Film Festival members. Tickets are available in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office or by calling 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information and to order tickets online, visit www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.