Following the resounding success of Cavalleria Rusticana in 2023, the Maleny Singers return to the stage this June with Ruggero Leoncavallo’s gripping one-act opera Pagliacci.
A passionate tale of love, jealousy and betrayal, Pagliacci is best known for its stirring arias, including the iconic Vesti la giubba and Prologue.
Under the direction of Margaret Taylor and musical direction of Kim Kirkman, the production once again pairs the Maleny Singers with the Inspiration Project Choir, promising a powerful and immersive musical experience for audiences.
The story, told through a dramatic “play within a play” format, features a cast of local and visiting operatic talent.
Vanessa West reprises her leading role as Nedda, the opera’s only female character. Ms West, who made her debut with the Maleny Singers in Cavalleria Rusticana, received high praise for her performance in The Puccini Effect with Maleny Arts Council last year.
Opposite her as Nedda’s lover Silvio is Shelden Mathieson, a seasoned performer with Opera Queensland and now a local voice teacher at Glasshouse Christian College. His addition to the cast brings new energy and warmth to the production.
Well known local tenor Colin Dunn takes on the emotionally charged role of Canio—who becomes the tragic clown Pagliacci in the opera’s second act. A veteran of leading roles with the Singers, Mr Dunn is well-prepared for what is arguably his most demanding performance to date.
Ian Rix, remembered for his comedic turn as Ko-Ko in The Mikado, returns in the darker role of Tonio, delivering a performance reminiscent of Shakespeare’s Iago.
Tenor Rod Johnson, last seen as the suave Danilo in The Merry Widow, brings charisma and flair to the role of Beppe, also known as Harlequin. Audiences can expect a thrilling transformation in the second act, where the characters become players in a staged performance and the chorus becomes the audience, blurring the lines between fiction and reality in a climax that has captivated opera lovers for generations.
Pagliacci will be performed at the Maleny Community Centre on June 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 3pm. Tickets are $50 ($45 concession) via trybooking.com/DAATM.
Don’t miss this compelling local production of one of opera’s most enduring classics.