The Saddleback College Vocal Program presents The Old Maid and the Thief
(Katrina Andaya / Lariat)
The Saddleback College Vocal Program performed their first showing of the famous opera, The Old Maid and the Thief, Thursday in FA 101.
Gian-Carlo Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief is a famous one-act opera of the 20th Century that was originally performed as a Radio-Opera and was later broadcasted by the National Broadcasting Company back in April 22, 1939. Its first stage performance was on Feb. 11, 1941 by the Philadelphia Opera Company.
The opera is played out in 14 scenes and follows the story of Miss Todd, the town matriarch who houses Bob, a young, handsome drifter who happens to stop by Miss Todd’s residence one afternoon. When Miss Todd suspects Bob of being a thief who has escaped from the county jail, her world spins to pieces.
The performance overall had great singing and big voices accompanied by stellar acting by the performers.
“It was a very good performance,” Saddleback College student Briana Barrientes, 19, fine arts, said. “I like the expression and the choreography the actors took.”
The story covered the genres of drama, humor and romance and takes a surprising twist.
“I liked the comedy and the twist of the story,” Saddleback College student Sophia Ahwazi, 19, music, said.
It took the Vocal Program about a month and a half to prepare for the show.
Paloma Pallante, 20, musical theater, who played Miss Pinkerton said that the most difficult part of preparing was practicing rhythm on the music.
“I love the dynamics of the characters,” Pallante said on what she liked best about this opera.
“It was more light-hearted than regular operas,” said Lauren Graham, 20, vocal performance major, who played Laetitia, the young pretty maid to Miss Todd. “It was my first opera.”
Both Pallante and Graham agreed that this first show is their most difficult performance.
The Old Maid and the Thief also performed Friday, Nov. 9 and Saturday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. in the Fine Arts Complex, FA 101.
For more events:
http://saddleback.edu/arts/music/index.html