The Live Cinema Series continues with a screening of the current production of Tosca by The Royal Opera on Wednesday, February 28 at 6:00 p.m. This production is filmed live in London and rebroadcast internationally to select screens.
Tosca is one of the great evenings of opera, and from its strident opening chords conjures up a world of political instability and menace.
Jonathan Kent’s production of Tosca for The Royal Opera captures the dangerous political turbulence of Rome in 1800. The Chief of Police, Scarpia – one of the most malevolent villains in opera – ruthlessly pursues and tortures enemies of the state. His dark, demonic music contrasts with the expansive melodies of the idealistic lovers, Tosca and Cavaradossi, who express their passion in sublime arias, including ‘Vissi d’arte’ and ‘E lucevan le stelle’. Giacomo Puccini’s dramatic work was a hit with audiences on its 1900 premiere and it remains one of the most performed of all operas – with its gripping plot and glorious music, it’s easy to see why.
A candle-lit church, Scarpia’s gloomy study with its hidden torture chamber and the false optimism of a Roman dawn: this handsome production throws into relief the ruthlessly taut drama, as the tension is wound up towards a fateful conclusion. Puccini’s meticulously researched score is infused with the same authentic detail, from distant cannon fire during the Act I Te Deum to tolling church bells and the sounds of a firing squad.
Cast:
Simon Shibambu – Cesare Angelotti
Jeremy White – Sacristan
Joseph Calleja – Mario Cavaradossi
Adianne Pieczonka – Floria Tosca
Gerald Finley – Baron Scarpia
Aled Hall – Spoletta
Jihoon Kim – Sciarrone
Edward Hyde – Shepard Boy
John Morrissey – Gaoler
This screening runs approximately 3 hours 15 minutes including two intervals and an onscreen introduction. Beer, wine, and snacks will be available for purchase.
NOTE: “Tosca” is sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Reserved seating tickets ($15 Adults, $10 Students/Youth) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500. RSVP on Facebook
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The 2018 Live Cinema Series is sponsored by Shakespeare Walla Walla, a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that aims to make Shakespeare and theater approachable and entertaining to students in eastern Washington and Oregon.
