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Theater Talk about past, present and future shows

The much-anticipated reenactment of the life of Giacomo Antonio Domenico Michele Secondo Maria Puccini, 1858-1924, by Hershey Felder closed Sunday, March 21.

Acclaimed as the most celebrated writer of opera since Verdi, “Puccini” is an original work developed by Felder in conjunction with TheatreWorks Silicon Valley and Opera San Jose.

Filmed near Puccini’s birthplace in Lucca, Italy, Felder was joined by an international cast of renowned opera singers to present excerpts from Puccini’s leading operas including “La Boehme,” “Madam Butterfly,” “Tosca” and even passages from his final uncompleted opera, “Turandot.”

The acclaimed cast of singers included Chicago baritone Nathan Gunn, American tenor Charles Castronovo, with sopranos Gianna Corbisiero and the Russian trained Ekaternia Siurina.

The two-hour program was part of an ongoing series of works initiated by celebrated pianist Hershey Felder. As with his other productions, musically, Felder’s stories are masterfully performed.

Since this program touches all of the senses, my only recommendation is to find a wardrobe mistress to iron the white nun’s costumes in the death scene and replace the dinner napkins on their heads with actual nun’s veils, especially since the death scene remains foremost in one’s memory since it is at the end. His death resulted from the radiation treatments for throat cancer at a Brussels clinic.

Aside from that minor slip up, I wish to encourage readers to follow http://www.SanDiegoRep.org to monitor Felder’s next program. He has raised over $2 million since the beginning of the COVID-19 restrictions and has donated 80% of the funding to the theater community. “Puccini” is rated a 10 for musicality.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events.

San Diego Repertory invites you to stream Chester Gregory, the star of “Motown,” as he shares many of his favorite tunes, March 22 to April 18. This charismatic performer celebrates many of the beloved songs from the era. Visit http://www.sandiegorep.org for tickets.

North Coast Repertory is streaming “Trying,” March 24 to April 18, which tells “the playwright’s experience as an assistant to famed Attorney General and Chief Judge at Nuremburg, Francis Biddle, during the final years of his life.”

Directed by David Ellenstein, “Trying” is a slice of life from Judge Biddle’s final years. Situated in his home office above the garage, the judge, played by James Sitorius, and his new secretary Sarah Schor organized the final chapters of his life. Touching and warm, Sitorius glided through as the crusty curmudgeon while Goss, as the ever-respectful assistant, reminded us how important it is to “lace the skates and hit the ice” and, as Biddle added, “stay the course.” Tickets are available at http://www.northcoastrep.org to view from home. Rated 8.5 out of 10.

Coming April 7-18 at The Cygnet Theatre is “Dixie’s Happy Hour.” Written by Kris Anderson and performed as his drag persona Dixie Longate, this play contains adult content. “Dixie’s sweet charm and infectious southern drawl will make you want to belly up to the bar for more” in a comedy based on the internationally successful “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” and often raucous and unfiltered.

For a ticket, visit http://www.cygnettheatre.com or contact the office for the times by calling Tuesday to Friday between noon and 4 p.m., 619-337-1525 or 619-574-0029.

Cost is $35 per household.

The Old Globe is working with KPBS-FM 89.5 to celebrate William Shakespeare’s birthday, April 23. Considered the greatest writer of all times, Shakespeare’s 38 plays and 154 sonnets have been translated into every major living language around the world. Not bad for a small-town kid from Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Broadway San Diego just posted a huge savings for its upcoming program “Titanique.” Coming Sunday, May 2, at 4:30 p.m. is Celine Dion live from New York as she sings the romantic music – for the first time – called “The Maiden Voyage Concert.” It will be revealed what really happens to Jack and Rose.

The presale is only $20. Host a Titanic party with girlfriends while enjoying this early bird savings. Do not miss this Titanic musical revival, visit http://www.BroadwaySanDiego.com for tickets.

Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal can be reached at [email protected].

 

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