Florida Grand Opera presents Rigoletto

Miami and Fort Lauderdale, FL, February 16, 2022 —  Love, innocence betrayed, curses, revenge, and memorable melodies — Florida Grand Opera serves up the heady mix with Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece Rigoletto. Acclaimed American baritone Todd Thomas returns in the title role, a signature part he has performed more than thirty times. Canadian soprano Sharleen Joynt makes her house debut as Rigoletto’s daughter Gilda. The Argentinian-Spanish-American tenor Jose Simerilla Romero also makes his house debut as the womanizing Duke of Mantua. 

The second offering of the 80th Anniversary Season, Rigoletto is based on the Victor Hugo play Le roi s’amuse (The King Amuses Himself), set in 16th century Italy. It tells the story of a deformed court jester whose mean-spirited jokes win him no friends in the court of the lascivious Duke. After mocking a condemned nobleman whose daughter the Duke has despoiled, he is cursed. When the Duke seduces Rigoletto’s own daughter, it’s no joke — the jester hires a hitman. Yet the curse plays out, and the innocent Gilda pays the price. 

Verdi’s score is filled with memorable tunes, including “La donna è mobile,” the Duke’s merrily hypocritical ode to the faithlessness of women, “Caro nome,” Gilda’s crystalline musings on love, and Rigoletto’s rage aria, “Cortigiani.” Lush music, high drama, and sumptuous sets and costumes combine in this grandest of grand opera.

Bass Matt Boehler makes his house debut as the assassin Sparafucile, while FGO Studio Artist Stephanie Doche doubles up as his sister, Maddalena, and Gilda’s untrustworthy companion, Giovanna. The cast is rounded out by Studio Artists Charles Calotta (Borsa), Erik Danielson (Count Ceprano), Darren Drone (Monterone), Amanda Olea (Countess Ceprano), and Michael Pandolfo (Marullo). 

Pacien Mazzagatti conducts, and Kathleen Belcher directs. The set design is by Lawrence Shafer, lighting design by Ron Vodicka, with costumes by Howard Tsvi Kaplan.

Echoing the luxury of the Duke’s court, opening night commences with the annual Opera Gala, “A Night in Mantua.” Cocktails precede the opera, followed by a catered dinner and dancing. The Gala celebrates Florida Grand Opera’s 80th season. For more information or to purchase Gala tickets, contact Victor Kendall at vkendall@fgo.org or 305-403-3306. For opera tickets, please see www.fgo.org or call 1-800-741-1010.