Opera with a touch of sitcom
A handsome Army private catches the eye of the irrepressible Countess of Gerolstein, and soon he’s promoted to the post of commander in chief, much to the consternation of the countess’ staff and the private’s girlfriend. Offenbach’s comic opera “The Grand Duchess” gets an English-language update as Los Angeles Opera opens its 20th season. The work is directed by film and television legend Garry Marshall in his opera stage debut. Frederica von Stade sings the role of the Countess. For those who prefer tragedy to comedy, L.A. Opera revives Franco Zeffirelli’s contemporary urban production of Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci” (Strolling Players) the next night. Real life husband-and-wife team Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna sing the roles of the opera’s estranged couple.
“The Grand Duchess,” Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. 6 p.m. Saturday. Seven performances through Oct. 1. “Pagliacci,” 4 p.m. Sunday. Seven performances through Oct. 1.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. Sept. 9, 2005 For The Record
Los Angeles Times Friday September 09, 2005 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 2 inches; 68 words Type of Material: Correction
“Grand Duchess” -- A photo caption in the Weekend Forecast in Thursday’s Calendar Weekend section with an item about Los Angeles Opera’s production of “The Grand Duchess” identified the performers as Paul Vogt as Baron Grog on the left and Peter Nathan Foltz as Nepomouc on the right. The photo showed Anthony Laciura as Baron Puck on the left and John Cheek as Gen. Boum on the right.
$30 to $205. (213) 972-8001. www.laopera.com.
The biggest entertainment stories
Get our big stories about Hollywood, film, television, music, arts, culture and more right in your inbox as soon as they publish.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
