06/16/12 – The Tales of Hoffmann – 1:00pm

Lyric Opera of Chicago

The Tales of Hoffmann by Jacques Offenbach

 

Approximate Running Time: 3 hrs. 26 min.,
sung in French

If ever a man was unlucky at love, it’s Hoffmann, the wild-eyed poet who travels the world in search of the ideal woman and ends up thwarted by villains at every turn.

First, he’s smitten by Olympia — but discovers she’s nothing more than a mechanical doll. Then, he falls for Antonia, a fragile songstress who’ll die if she sings — and regrettably for him, she does both! Finally he’s seduced by Giulietta — but the treacherous courtesan casts him aside.

Impossibly beautiful music (including the famous Barcarolle) combined with flamboyant theatricality — that’s why Offenbach’s extravaganza is the perfect way to open our season.

 

 

CAST/CREW

Hoffmann
Matthew Polenzani

Four Villains
James Morris

Olympia
Anna Christy

Antonia
Erin Wall

Giulietta
Alyson Cambridge

Nicklausse
Emily Fons

Four Servants
Rodell Rosel

Spalanzani
David Cangelosi

Conductor
Emmanuel Villaume

Original Production
Nicolas Joël

Director
Stéphane Roche

Set Designer
Ezio Frigerio

Costume Designer
Franca Squarciapino

Lighting Designer
TBA

Chorus Master
Michael Black