Donizetti's Comic Opera Don Pasquale, With James Morris, at Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center - Opera House (2700 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20566)
- Full Price:
- $80.00 - $245.00
- Our Price:
- $40.00 - $122.50*
* Additional fees apply.
All offers for Don Pasquale have expired.
The last date listed for Don Pasquale was Friday May 27, 2011 / 7:30pm.
Currently at The Kennedy Center - Opera House:
Washington National Opera Presents Massenet's Tragic Masterpiece Werther
- Full Price:
- $120.00 - $170.00
- Our Price:
- $60.00 - $85.00
In Jules Massenet's Werther, the young poet Werther has fallen desperately in love with the beautiful Charlotte. When he discovers that she is honor-bound to marry Albert, he tries to stay away, but his passion draws him back to her. Finally, Werther decides the only way he can find peace is through death. The performance by Washington National Opera features Italian tenor Francesco Meli in his company debut in the title role and mezzo-soprano Sonia Ganassi as Charlotte. The two performers recently sang the same roles together in Parma, Italy. Chris Alexander directs and Emmanuel Villaume conducts. Learn More
Goldstar Member Tips
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Goldstar Member on What to Wear
It's the opera. At least wear nice business clothes.
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Goldstar Member on Where to Eat
The KC Cafe has a wide variety of tasty dishes & salad bar
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Goldstar Member on Where to Eat
The KC Cafe has a wide variety of tasty hot
5 Goldstar Member Reviews
Goldstar Member
What a wonderful show! "Don Pasquale" is a fabulous opera in itself: beautiful score and really funny lines (thank God in this case for surtitles). And, for those of us who love voices in the lower registers, the baritones/basses, this opera stars them as opposed to relegating them to subordinate roles. It is not only a musically complex opera, but complex in terms of the libretto, and not often performed in Washington.Written on May 17 2011
As for the performance, ignore the Washington Post critic's review. What Peter says about Paul says more about Peter than about Paul - she comes across as a thoroughly sour, nastly person who, at the very least, must have had bile in her stomach the night she went. James Morris is absolutely MARVELOUS as Don Pasquale. His voice is terrific, his acting skills in this comic role were just great. Don Pasquale just oozed character to the point of becoming "real". The rest of the cast did a fine job also, though I did feel that tenor Antonio Gandia was a bit "wooden", not conveying the emotion and body-language of a passionate and often distraught lover, though this is something he has time to grow out of - whereas he was the only one the Post critic could find anything good at all to say about. (Either she, Anne Midgette, likes only opera performed in the static manner of the 19th/early 20th centuries, or she is a couger fascinated only by the young lover of the cast.) I would have chosen to present Norina a little differently, a little more subtly, but this particular production, including the costumes, is a bit campy. But then, as another reviewer said, it is "opera buffo" after all. As for the orchestra, under Israel Gursky, it struck just the right notes and timing.
In sum, "Don Pasquale" is a great opera, and is being admirably presented by the Washington Opera. And, James Morris is a not-to-be-missed Pasquale. Splash out for a ticket if you possibly can and go see it!
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Kitty Lou Smith
Contrary to the Post reviewer we thoroughly enjoyed Don Pasquale. The singing and conducting were great, the costumes delightfully frivolous, and the plot quite amusing. The scene in which Don Pasquale completed his "bath" and got dressed was one of the funniest, I've ever seen in any performance! After all, this is opera buffa - and it was plenty buffa! The duet between Pasquale and the Doctor reminded of the old Cisco Kid routines between Cisco and Pancho! High comedy indeed!Written on May 16 2011
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Goldstar Member
Absolutely spectacular. Siurina (Norina) and Gandia (Ernesto) are incredibly talented with absolutely beautiful voices. They gave a flawless performance. Top tier seating was a bit far and I would choose closer seats next time, but the performance was so fantastic that in the end, seating didn't matter. Highly recommend.Written on May 30 2011
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PeterW
They did a good job. A very entertaining show, for the most part beautifully sung.Written on May 30 2011
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More Information About Don Pasquale
Website
http://www.dc-opera.org/seasontickets/1011/pasquale.asp
Quotes & Highlights
- Read about the cast and crew of WNO's Don Pasquale.
Description
Ernesto stands to inherit a fortune from his uncle, Don Pasquale, but only if he forsakes Norina, the woman he loves. Dr. Malatesta has a wild plan to help his friend, and in true opera buffa fashion, hilarity ensues, complete with a sham marriage, a slap in the face, rampant overspending, and disguise. Yikes! Don Pasquale’s uproarious plot and sublime music combine to make this one of Donizetti’s finest operas. Full of humor and poignancy, the charming and tuneful score features bright melodies with coloratura fireworks.
In his WNO debut, renowned American bass-baritone James Morris—best known for his stentorian, Wagnerian roles—takes a comic turn with his role debut as Don Pasquale. Young Russian soprano Ekaterina Siurina makes her company debut as the delightful Norina, and esteemed American baritone Dwayne Croft returns as the conniving but well- meaning Dr. Malatesta.
WNO’s General Director Plácido Domingo takes the podium to lead Leon Major’s imaginatively dazzling production from New York City Opera.
Cast and Creative Team
Don Pasquale: James Morris
Norina: Ekaterina Siurina (May 13, 16, 18, 21, 24, 27)
Julia Novikova (May 22m, 26)
Ernesto: Antonio Gandia (May 13, 16, 18, 21, 27)
Alexey Kudrya (May 22m, 24, 26)
Dr. Malatesta: Dwayne Croft
Notary: Jeffrey Tarr
Director: Leon Major
Conductor: Plácido Domingo (May 13, 18, 21, 22m, 26)
Israel Gursky (May 16, 24, 27)
Set/Costume Design: Allen Moyer
Lighting Design: Mark McCullough
Scenery and costumes originally created for Glimmerglass Opera and New York City Opera.
About the Ticket Supplier: Washington National Opera
As the resident opera company of the Kennedy Center, Washington National Opera (WNO) draws on a rich history to offer high-quality grand opera featuring internationally acclaimed artists. Additionally, WNO serves as a vital resource throughout the Washington metro area, bringing opera to a broad public through its award-winning education and community programs.