Topics in Opera: L’amico Fritz

Topics in Opera class presents a three-act opera by Pietro Mascagni

L’amico Fritz (Friend Fritz)
A three-act opera by Pietro Mascagni (1863-1945)

Time & Location: Saturday evening, April 4, 2009, at 9 p.m. at the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University

Pre-Opera Talk: April 4, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. with Linda Mack (accompanist), Julia Lindsay (Producer/Director), Juan Carlos Rodriguez (Fritz Kobus) and Carey Pearson (Suzel)

Ticket Prices: General Admission, $10; Senior Citizens, $8; A.U. Students with I.D. and children 12 years of age and under, Free

Our bachelor, Fritz Kobus (tenor), is a wealthy landowner who has vowed never to marry. However, his friend, the rabbi David (baritone), bets him his vineyard that he will be married within a year. In celebration of Fritz's birthday, Suzel (soprano), the young daughter of Fritz's tenant at the vineyard, arrives with a gift of violets. Upon learning that Suzel is to be married soon, Fritz realizes that he has feelings for the girl. Through a twist of events and with the help of David, Fritz and Suzel discover their love for each other and are married. Cameo roles are played by Beppe (mezzo-soprano pants role), Hanezo (baritone), Federico (tenor) and Caterina (soprano). The opera will be fully staged.

Cast Members Fritz Kobus - Juan Carlos Rodriguez (tenor)
Suzel - Carey Pearson (soprano)
David - Joshua Goines (baritone)
Beppe - Rebecka Noble (mezzo-soprano)
Hanezo - Dexter Saddler (baritone)
Federico - Ray Kirk (tenor)
Caterina - Nina Menezes (soprano)

Chorus