Toronto Operetta Theatre Opens with THE SAUCY SENORITA Today

Toronto Operetta Theatre opens the 2013-2014 Season today, November 3 at 2 pm at the St. Lawrence Centre with THE SAUCY SEÑORITA, based on the zarzuela La Revoltosa by Ruperto Chapi. Premiering at the Apolo Theatre in Madrid in 1897, Chapi's scintillating score is one of the masterpieces of the género chico genre. TOT is the only company in Canada devoted to music theatre in all its variety and has been instrumental in raising the profile of this exciting Spanish facet of the music theatre art form. THE SAUCY SEÑORITA will be presented under the Honorary Patronage of Don Francisco Pascual de la Parte, Consul General of Spain in Toronto and the Club Hispano of Toronto.

THE SAUCY SEÑORITA lands us right in the middle of La Latina, one of the most colourful neighborhoods in Madrid. This one act zarzuela captures the essence of the Madrileño character, its salt of the earth approach to life and its unending joy in music, song and dance. TOT's General Director Guillermo Silva-Marin will enhance Chapi's witty tale with a thrilling mix of dramatic, lyrical, and passionate arias, duets and ensembles from the vast zarzuela heritage. "In Chapi's lyric tale, the 'Verbena Fiesta' is about to begin and what better reason could there be than to expand his one act operetta to a full presentation of the best tunes in the repertoire for the delectation of our audience", says Silva-Marin, "and to showcase the undeniable allure of Spanish musicals, with their fascinating rhythms and signature tonalities!"

Reflecting its mandate to promote talented Canadian artists, TOT features a number of exciting new faces. The sensational soprano Beth Hagerman, will be the coquettish leading lady and baritone Diego Catalá debuts with TOT as her romantic but jealous love interest. Also in the cast are Fabian Arciniegas and Marco Petracchi, remembered from Luisa Fernanda.Pablo Benitez, Tamera Newberry, Heather Kozak, Ronan MacParland and Dina Shikhman will complete a cast eager to enjoy the festivities while gazing upon the philandering excursions of temperamental caballeros. Making her TOT debut will be Music Director and Pianist Narmina Afandiyeva, while TOT's own Guillermo Silva-Marín will be the stage director and host for the afternoon.

THE SAUCY SEÑORITA will be immediately followed by FIESTA LATINA, a post-concert reception with wine and a light gourmet buffet in the Lobby of the Bluma Appel Theatre, adjacent to the Jane Mallett Theatre. Hosted by the TOT Board of Directors, the reception will give zarzuela lovers the opportunity to meet His Excellency Don Francisco Pascual de la Parte, and mingle with our artists, TOT Friends and special guests.

Toronto Operetta Theatre is grateful for the support of Deutsche Presse (media sponsor), the Jackman Foundation, the Bedolfe Foundation, KPMG, Barrick, Gluskin Sheff, the Canada Council, Toronto Arts Council and the Ontario Arts Council. All performances at the wheel chair accessible St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts - Box Office (416) 366-7723 or 1-800-708-6754. Online sales www.stlc.ca. For information, call TOT at (416) 922-2912.

For further information contact Henry Ingram at 416-922-2912.