GIOVANINA VANCHERI
Special to The Leader
Fredonia’s School of Music and The Hillman Opera are collaborating to put on a production of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.”
“Don Giovanni” is an opera based on the legend of Don Juan. It tells the classic story of a young nobleman who is sexually promiscuous and acts immorally without regard for the consequences.
The music will be performed in Italian but with English supertitles above the stage for the audience to follow along.
Though the story itself dates back centuries, this particular production will feature a present-day twist.
“The production is being set in modern times with a modern sensibility, so it will not feel stuffy or outdated at all,” said Dr. Robert Strauss, producer of the Hillman Opera.
Many of the character types and themes present in Mozart’s work are also present in today’s world.
“We’ve really taken a look at today’s society and how we can highlight the aspects of the story and the characters that are relevant in today’s society,” said Strauss.
Strauss is no stranger to the show. He performed on stage as the role of Don Ottavio in a 1994 production.
This is his first time returning to it as producer, however, and things have definitely changed.
“In many ways, it almost seems more relevant to me today than my first experience with the full opera because of the #MeToo movement,” he said.
Amie Adams, a junior vocal performance major, also feels a strong connection to the show.
Adams is playing the character of Donna Anna, one of the main roles.
“One of the things that you have to do as a performer is to take your personal experiences and infuse them into your acting which for me forms a strong connection to the character that I am playing,” she said.
For many students, including Brianna Ross, a junior BFA musical theatre major, this is their first experience with opera.
“It has been such a fantastic experience,” said Ross, who is a member of the ensemble. “I am most excited to get to be a part of telling the story of ‘Don Giovanni’ with such amazing performers and getting to see the audience’s reaction to what we all have been working so hard on for the past few months.”
“Everything about this production is worth coming to see. The music is gorgeous, the set is remarkable, there are fun twists on the costumes and some other surprises,” said Ross. “Everyone involved has put in amazing work to make it what it is. You definitely do not want to miss it.”
The show will be held in the Robert W. Marvel Theatre in the Rockefeller Arts Center. The dates of the productions are Friday, Nov. 9 and Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets cost $20.00 for the public and $10.00 for students and children. They will be available at the Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center.
Call (716) 673-3501 or go to fredonia.edu/ tickets for more information.