By Giacomo Puccini

American Gothic Performing Arts Festival

Bridge View Center

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Directed by Tony Humrichhouser

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The story of Gianni Schicchi tells of a family who has just lost their dear father.  Their father was master of a considerable land and fortune, and all the relatives wish to get their hands on it.  Unfortunately they have been written out of the will.  Desperate, one of the relatives suggests using the very clever Gianni Schicchi to help them.  Gianni, after a pleading, finds a way to help them by impersonating the departed father.  When the solicitor comes by, Gianni convinces him that he wishes to pen a new will.  While dolling out aspects of the fortune, the most prime items he wills to himself, and the family can say nothing until the solicitor leaves.  

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This opera contains one of the most famous arias, O Mio Babbino Cara, hauntingly beautiful. The lighting needed to reflect both the beauty of this aria, the cleverness and treachery of Gianni, and the consternation of the family.  Simple and graceful moves with dynamic lighting used subtlely accomplished this.