Dicapo Opera Presents 'The Dangerous Liaisons' NY Premiere

Dicapo Opera Theatre will present the New York premiere of Conrad Susa's The Dangerous Liaisons, and the world premiere of the chamber version of the opera reduced by Randol Bass, in four performances at Dicapo Opera Theatre from Thursday February 21 through Sunday, March 2.

The opera, with an English libretto by Philip Littell, is based on Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the 18th-century novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.  Set in France shortly before the French Revolution, the opera tells A Tale of seduction, revenge, and human malice by Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, two decadent aristocratic rivals who use sex as a weapon to humiliate and degrade.  

Mezzo-soprano Sarah Heltzel sings the role of the wealthy widow Marquise de Merteuil; baritone Michael Chioldi is Valmont, the notorious rake; and Madame de Tourvel, the virtuous wife, is sung by soprano Anna Noggle.  The young lovers Cécile de Volanges and Chevalier de Danceny are portrayed by soprano Kristin Vogel and tenor Richard Furman. 

The production is by Michael Capasso, sets by John Farrell, costumes by Angela Huff, and lighting by Susan Roth.  Oliver Gooch, artistic director and founder of Britain's Opera East Productions, conducts.

The four performances of The Dangerous Liaisons take place at Dicapo Opera Theatre located on the lower level of St. Jean Baptiste Church at 184 East 76th Street (at Lexington Avenue) on Thursday, February 21 at 7:30PM; Saturday, February 23 and Friday, February 29 at 8PM; and Sunday, March 2 at 4PM.

Tickets are $55 and are available at the Dicapo Opera Theatre box office or by calling 212-288-9438, Ext. 10.