Cinnabar Theater Ends Season with Verdi's FALSTAFF, Opening Tonight

Next month, Cinnabar Theater's scintillating season ends on a high note with Falstaff. Performed entirely in English, this irreverent opera combines Verdi's glorious score with Shakespeare's uproarious rogue. Falstaff opens tonight, June 12 and runs through Sunday, June 28.

Following on their flawless Figaro, Artistic Director Elly Lichenstein and Music Director Mary Chun unveil another sumptuous and sonorous show. Falstaff schemes to get rich by bedding his neighbors' wives, but the ladies turn the tables with a mischievous series of tricks and disguises. Renowned baritone Jo Vincent Parks embodies the irrepressible rascal in this rollicking tale of wine, women, and song.

"Verdi output was already prodigious when he composed Falstaff, yet it is by far his finest work," said Lichenstein. "He was inspired to create this glorious score by The Merry Wives of Windsor, the classic Shakespearean comedy about hilarious housewives who outwit the men around them. Speaking of classic comedy, that sounds just like Lucy and Ethel - so we're paying homage to I Love Lucy and setting our production in the 1950s. It's madcap fun with magnificent music, and I hope you'll share it with us."

Falstaff features 23 spectacular singers and a 12-piece orchestra. The lead roles are performed by Kim Anderman (Meg Page), Miguel Evangelista (Dr. Caius), Sepp Hammer (Pistol), Scott Joiner (Fenton), Eileen Morris (Alice Ford), William Neely (John Ford), Jo Vincent Parks (Sir John Falstaff), Aurelie Veruni (Nannetta), Krista Wigle (Dame Quickly), and Ted Zoldan (Bardolf).

The original libretto by Arrigo Boito has been translated into modern, accessible English by Amanda Holden. The creative team includes Joseph Elwick (scenery), Lisa Eldredge (costumes), and Wayne Hovey (lights). Falstaff is generously underwritten by Dr. David Noorthoek.

Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for ages 21 and under, with special $9 seats on June 12 for junior-high and high-school students. Reserve seats online at any time by visiting cinnabartheater.org, or call the box office at 707-763-8920 between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekdays. Tickets may also be available at the door, but reservations are recommended as Cinnabar's shows often sell out.

Every year, Cinnabar Theater produces a thrilling mix of plays, musicals, operas, and concerts in a remarkable range of genres. Cinnabar's Young Rep offers extensive activities for local youth, and Cinnabar's community choirs welcome anyone who wants to sing in harmony. All these events take place in the iconic red schoolhouse perched atop a grassy hill on the outskirts of Petaluma.

Audiences have flocked to performances in this intimate setting since 1972, when Marvin and Jan Klebe established an arts center for the community. Along with their sons, they transformed a charming 1908 schoolhouse into a jewel-box theater that has hosted successful shows for four decades. Now Cinnabar is presenting another year of lively performances for its loyal audience.

Cinnabar Theater is located at 3333 Petaluma Boulevard North, just off Highway 101 and only minutes from historic downtown Petaluma. There's ample parking up on the hill... and a friendly herd of goats grazing in the neighboring field. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 707-763-8920 or visit cinnabartheater.org.

Pictured: At Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma, renowned baritone Jo Vincent Parks plays the title character in Verdi's hilarious Falstaff. Photo by Eric Chazankin.

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