Opera51 will present two classics of Italian verismo opera, Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana and Ruggiero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci at The Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden June 7-9 2024. Both productions will be fully staged and costumed, and sung in Italian with English surtitles. The orchestra and chorus will be conducted by Alan Yost. Opera51’s stage director is Phil Lauriat. These two pieces from the late 19th century formed the foundation of Italian verismo style, which tells tragic stories of emotions unhinged among the working class, rather than those of aristocrats or gods. The stories are told with hauntingly beautiful (and probably familiar) melodies and unforgettable dramatic impact.

The leads for Cavalleria are Santuzza: Margretta Beaty, artist in residence at 51 Walden; Lucia: Vanessa Moya; Alfio: James Liu; Turiddu: Lucas Hickman; and Lola: Jessica Bloch-Moisand. For Pagliacci, lead singers are Canio: David Rivera Bozón; Nedda: Julia Pottinger; Tonio: James Liu; Beppe: Leo Balkovetz; and Silvio: Scott Ballantine.

Performances are Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 9 at 2:00 p.m. Visit opera51.org for more information and to purchase tickets.