Dicapo Opera Theatre

Todays Date: 06/30/22
Last Update: 01/20/14 02:43:00 PM

TheaterOnline.com
Address: 184 E. 76th Street
New York, NY    10021

Phone: 212-288-9438

History of Productions View Current and Upcoming

Opera For Kids: L'elisir D'amore  | Open: 04/12/14 Close: 04/13/14
Classical"

Opera.Classical
Tosca And The Two Downstairs  | Open: 03/20/14 Close: 03/30/14
by Franca ValeriDirected by Laura CaparrottiTranslated by Natasha LarderaStarring Laura Caparrotti and Marta Mondelliwith Voice Over by Rocco Sisto“Tosca” by Puccini is based on a drama by Sardou. In this well-known opera, Mario Cavarodossi, a painter who has concealed a dangerous political prisoner, is being protected by his lover, a celebrated singer named Tosca. Cavarodossi is tortured to reveal the whereabouts of the prisoner to Scarpia, the chief of police, who has promised to save the painter by a mock execution if Tosca will give herself to him. She ultimately agrees, but stabs Scarpia at the last moment. The execution is, however, a real one and in grief, Tosca leaps from a battlement to her death. 2010 was the 110th anniversary of the opera, which debuted on January 14, 1900.“Tosca e le altre due“ by Franca Valeri shares the 19th century setting and events of the opera, but refracts them through two memorable women characters who share them from the outside. The torture’s screams and scuffles are overheard from upstairs by the wife of the torturer and the female doorkeeper of Palazzo Farnese in Rome, where the interrogation is taking place. The play is a wry and humorous character study of these two women, outsiders, who are accidentally close to the passions and politics of the story.Divided almost like the three acts of Tosca, “Tosca and the two downstairs” moves between two Roman settings,the church Sant’Andrea della Valle and the Palazzo Farnese. It starts out deceptively satirical, comical and light, then enlarges into a very profound analysis of its two characters. Emilia, although stern, conservative and protective of her position in the status quo, is revealed to be empathetic to a fault and willing to risk her life to help anyone. Iride, who had escaped a life with no “moral” pretensions, would now rather return to the streets than endure her violent, cruel husband.


Comedy"

Theater.Comedy

Opera For Kids: La Cenerentola  | Open: 03/08/14 Close: 03/09/14
Classical"

Opera.Classical
Opera For Kids: Gianni Schicchi  | Open: 02/08/14 Close: 02/09/14
Classical"

Opera.Classical
Opera For Kids: Beauty And The Beast  | Open: 01/18/14 Close: 01/19/14
Classical"

Opera.Classical
Amahl And The Night Visitors  | Open: 12/07/13 Close: 12/08/13
Classical"

Opera.Classical
Opera For Kids: La Boheme  | Open: 11/16/13 Close: 11/17/13
Classical"

Opera.Classical
Opera For Kids: Introduction To Italian Opera  | Open: 10/26/13 Close: 10/27/13
Classical"

Opera.Classical
Jane Austen's Persuasion: A New Musical Drama  | Open: 09/15/13 Close: 09/15/13
Standing Room Seats Available for $10 at the Box Office! Don’t miss the only two New York performances of this marvelous production, just back from its immensely successful summer tour of England and Chicago performances!· Featuring songs from Jane Austen's manuscripts and music of the period · Fully staged with chamber orchestra, beautiful Regency costumes, projected scenery of England, and world-champion Irish dancers· Directed by Jeff Award winner and Metropolitan Opera fight director, Nick Sandys“No ‘Persuasion’ needed to see this treat...Chamber Opera Chicago’s production was a treat for the eyes and ears...astounding!” (Emily Scotcher, Isle of Wight County Press-Yoppul) "This story of Anne Elliot’s second chance at love is told with such wit and life that I predict that this diamond will be remounted for years to come." (Lori Davis, Chicago Stage Style, JASNA)FREE PRE-PERFORMANCE LECTURE ONE HOUR BEFORE EACH SHOW by WILLIAM PHILLIPS, JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA.Group prices are also available for groups of 10 or more. For more information, please email chamberopera@aol.com or call 312-951-7944.


New Opera"

Opera.New Opera

Kismet  | Open: 05/16/13 Close: 05/19/13
Contemporary Opera"

Opera.Contemporary Opera
Opera for Kids: L'elisir D'amore  | Open: 05/18/13 Close: 05/19/13
General Director Michael Capasso and the Dicapo Opera Theatre Resident Artist Company present Donizetti's classic romantic farce tailored specifically for kids!


Classical"

Opera.Classical

Lucia Di Lammermoor  | Open: 04/04/13 Close: 04/14/13

Classical"

Opera.Classical

Opera For Kids: Lucia Di Lammermoor  | Open: 04/13/13 Close: 04/14/13
Classical"

Opera.Classical
The Little Flower  | Open: 03/22/13 Close: 03/29/13
“The Little Flower” is an educational, inspirational and at times comedic one-man show set in the office of Fiorello H. La Guardia, during his last day as three-term Mayor of New York City in 1945. The stage is a theatricalized representation of the American-Georgian City Hall building in Manhattan’s City Hall Park. This show can be performed with either a full set, limited set or touring set on a limited budget. “The Little Flower” presents a historic look into the life and career of Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia - a courageous and flamboyant personality, who read comics to the children during a newspaper strike, fought against corruption and cleaned up city politics setting a new standard for mayors and politicians in America. He was a great statesman and champion of the poor and under privileged, and a father figure to millions of Americans living through the hard times of the 1930’s and 1940’s. La Guardia was a man of integrity with outstanding principles, morals and values whose voice resonated throughout America. He was steadfast in standing up for his beliefs regardless of obstacles, challenges or political agenda. The show is set in “present time-1945” and “flashbacks.” Chronologically, it re-enacts important events in La Guardia’s life and the lessons he learned. It moves colorfully through the first half of the 20th century in America, and provides a clear vision of a man who not only lived through those times, but helped shape them. The problems La Guardia faced parallel those we are facing now. He held strong convictions on family values, inflation, women’s suffrage, financial responsibility, education, unions, political corruption and prohibition. He transcended political party barriers while holding strong to his plan of action that served him well then and could serve the American people today!What this world needs is another La Guardia, and I am truly honored and excited to present “The Little Flower”, the return of our One-Man Show. This adaptation is enlightening and inspirational. His legacy will live on forever!


Performance Art"

Acts/Attractions.Performance Art

The Letter  | Open: 02/07/13 Close: 02/17/13
Contemporary Opera"

Opera.Contemporary Opera
Opera For Kids: La Cenerentola  | Open: 02/02/13 Close: 02/03/13
Classical"

Opera.Classical
Opera For Kids: Gianni Schicchi  | Open: 01/19/13 Close: 01/20/13
Classical"

Opera.Classical
Marrying Mozart  | Open: 12/13/12 Close: 12/16/12
 

Marrying Mozart, a play with music by Mozart and libretto by Michael Capasso and the noted writer Bill Van Horn.  Based on a best-selling novel by Stephanie Cowells, Marrying Mozart offers a believably appealing portrait of the young Mozart in Vienna struggling to find work as a composer and encountering the delightful Weber sisters, four young women who engage his passion, his music, and his heart. Mr. Capasso directs.   
Marrying Mozart  | Open: 12/13/12 Close: 12/16/12
Another Dicapo world premiere, Marrying Mozart, is a play with music by Mozart and libretto by Michael Capasso and the noted writer Bill Van Horn. Based on a best-selling novel by Stephanie Cowell, Marrying Mozart offers a believably appealing portrait of the young Mozart in Vienna struggling to find work as a composer and encountering the delightful Weber sisters, four young women who engage his passion, his music, and his heart. A Co-Production with Opera Moderne.NEW PRODUCTION in English with dicapotitles.


Classical"

Opera.Classical

Opera for Kids: Beauty And The Beast  | Open: 12/01/12 Close: 12/02/12
Classical"

Opera.Classical
Opera for Kids: Beauty And The Beast  | Open: 12/01/12 Close: 12/02/12
Beauty’s two selfish sisters plague their father for finery, but Beauty asks only for one red rose. The father finds the flower in the Beast’s garden, but the Beast exacts Beauty’s hand in exchange. After only a short time as his bride, she goes home, but dreams that the Beast is lonely, returns to comfort him, and finds him changed into a prince by her love.


Classical"

Opera.Classical

The Martyrs  | Open: 11/08/12 Close: 11/18/12
Contemporary Opera"

Opera.Contemporary Opera
The Martyrs  | Open: 11/08/12 Close: 11/18/12
The world premiere of Thomas Pasatieri's The Martyrs, with a libretto by Daphne Malfitano, stars the world-renowned Catherine Malfitano as Marianne and Zeffin Quinn Hollis as Percy. The opera explores the stories of two quintessentially American antiheroes. They each seek justice, but are vilified by their rural societies, forcing them to live—or die—as modern-day martyrs. In English with dicapotitles.


Contemporary Opera"

Opera.Contemporary Opera

The Little Flower  | Open: 11/02/12 Close: 11/02/12
Back by popular demand, the return of Tony Lo Bianco as New York's storied Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia.Group rates and Student discounts available via phone“The Little Flower” is an educational, inspirational and at times comedic one-man show set in the office of Fiorello H. La Guardia, during his last day as three-term Mayor of New York City in 1945. The stage is a theatricalized representation of the American-Georgian City Hall building in Manhattan’s City Hall Park. This show can be performed with either a full set, limited set or touring set on a limited budget. “The Little Flower” presents a historic look into the life and career of Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia - a courageous and flamboyant personality, who read comics to the children during a newspaper strike, fought against corruption and cleaned up city politics setting a new standard for mayors and politicians in America. He was a great statesman and champion of the poor and under privileged, and a father figure to millions of Americans living through the hard times of the 1930’s and 1940’s. La Guardia was a man of integrity with outstanding principles, morals and values whose voice resonated throughout America. He was steadfast in standing up for his beliefs regardless of obstacles, challenges or political agenda. The show is set in “present time-1945” and “flashbacks.” Chronologically, it re-enacts important events in La Guardia’s life and the lessons he learned. It moves colorfully through the first half of the 20th century in America, and provides a clear vision of a man who not only lived through those times, but helped shape them. The problems La Guardia faced parallel those we are facing now. He held strong convictions on family values, inflation, women’s suffrage, financial responsibility, education, unions, political corruption and prohibition. He transcended political party barriers while holding strong to his plan of action that served him well then and could serve the American people today!


Solo Performance"

Theater.Solo Performance

The Little Flower  | Open: 10/23/12 Close: 11/02/12
Back by popular demand, the return of Tony Lo Bianco as New York's storied Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia.Group rates available via phoneThe Little Flower is an educational, inspirational and at times comedic one-man show set in the office of Fiorello H. La Guardia, during his last day as three-term Mayor of New York City in 1945. The stage is a theatricalized representation of the American-Georgian City Hall building in Manhattan’s City Hall Park. The Little Flower presents a historic look into the life and career of Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia - a courageous and flamboyant personality, who read comics to the children during a newspaper strike, fought against corruption and cleaned up city politics setting a new standard for mayors and politicians in America. He was a great statesman and champion of the poor and under privileged, and a father figure to millions of Americans living through the hard times of the 1930’s and 1940’s. La Guardia was a man of integrity with outstanding principles, morals and values whose voice resonated throughout America. He was steadfast in standing up for his beliefs regardless of obstacles, challenges or political agenda. The show is set in "present time-1945" and "flashbacks." Chronologically, it re-enacts important events in La Guardia’s life and the lessons he learned. It moves colorfully through the first half of the 20th century in America, and provides a clear vision of a man who not only lived through those times, but helped shape them. The problems La Guardia faced parallel those we are facing now. He held strong convictions on family values, inflation, women’s suffrage, financial responsibility, education, unions, political corruption and prohibition. He transcended political party barriers, running as a Fusion Party Mayor, while holding strong to his plan of action that served him well then and could serve the American people today! Tony lobianco laguardia la guardia


Solo Performance"

Theater.Solo Performance

Pagliacci  | Open: 10/11/12 Close: 10/21/12
Classical"

Opera.Classical
Opera for Kids: Pagliacci  | Open: 10/20/12 Close: 10/21/12
Classical"

Opera.Classical
Puccini's Passion  | Open: 10/11/12 Close: 10/21/12
PUCCINI'S PASSION was written by Michael Capasso and longtime collaborator, Bill Van Horn. The production features Mr. Capasso in the role of Giacomo Puccini. In PUCCINI'S PASSION, the composer, near the end of his life and en route to Brussels for experimental cancer treatment, reflects on his life and loves and how they influenced him and became the models for his heroines. PUCCINI'S PASSION features musical selections from every Puccini opera staged and costumed and a cast of 3 sopranos, 2 tenors and a baritone. This delightful and informative evening was hailed by critics as: “Narrated expressively by Michael Capasso — who played Puccini with appealing gusto in the passages before arias, “Passions” offered convincing connections between his many female muses and diverse characters in his operas. On the one hand, “cold and distant wife” Elvira influenced the creation of the title ice princess in “Turandot.’ One the other hand, the couple’s chaste servant Doria Manfredi — harried into suicide by mistakenly jealous Elvira — served as the sad inspiration for the slave girl Liu in the same opera.” - Worcester Telegram and Gazzette “Visually handsome and exquisitely sung, “Puccini’s Passions” proved the kind of comprehensive retrospective of his life and work that would please opera buffs and newcomers alike.” - Worcester Telegram and GazzettePlease note, that this time slot was orginally scheduled for Pagliacci. If you would like to see Pagliacci, it has been rescheduled for April 4, 6, 12, and 14. Click here to purchase tickets.


Classical"

Opera.Classical

Opera for Kids: Puccini's Passion  | Open: 10/20/12 Close: 10/21/12
This one hour abridged version of PUCCINI'S PASSION was written by Michael Capasso and longtime collaborator, Bill Van Horn. The production features Mr. Capasso in the role of Giacomo Puccini. In PUCCINI'S PASSION, the composer, near the end of his life and en route to Brussels for experimental cancer treatment, reflects on his life and loves and how they influenced him and became the models for his heroines. PUCCINI'S PASSION features musical selections from every Puccini opera staged and costumed and a cast of 3 sopranos, 2 tenors and a baritone. This delightful and informative evening was hailed by critics as: “Narrated expressively by Michael Capasso — who played Puccini with appealing gusto in the passages before arias, “Passions” offered convincing connections between his many female muses and diverse characters in his operas. On the one hand, “cold and distant wife” Elvira influenced the creation of the title ice princess in “Turandot.’ One the other hand, the couple’s chaste servant Doria Manfredi — harried into suicide by mistakenly jealous Elvira — served as the sad inspiration for the slave girl Liu in the same opera.” - Worcester Telegram and Gazzette “Visually handsome and exquisitely sung, “Puccini’s Passions” proved the kind of comprehensive retrospective of his life and work that would please opera buffs and newcomers alike.” - Worcester Telegram and Gazzette


Classical"

Opera.Classical

Death By Aria  | Open: 09/15/12 Close: 09/15/12
Classical"

Opera.Classical
Death By Aria  | Open: 09/15/12 Close: 09/15/12
Classical"

Opera.Classical
Most Happy Fella  | Open: 06/14/12 Close: 07/08/12
Dicapo Opera Theatre, whose recent production of Frank Loesser’s Most Happy Fella garnered enormous critical success and sold-out performances, will bring back the musical this June for a limited run of four weeks.   

In his review (March 9, 2012), New York Times senior music critic Anthony Tommasini said of Dicapo’s production of Frank Loesser’s tender, tough, and melodically soaring work: “The stage direction is traditional, lively and effective.  The orchestra plays from the back of the stage, behind a scrim, which allows the theater’s small pit to be covered, giving the cast more room to twirl and shimmy during the dance numbers, deftly choreographed by Francine Harman.” And when the run was extended for two further performances he added:

The delightful production…the story of a mail-order marriage between a young waitress and an older Italian grape grower in the Napa Valley may be Loesser’s richest, most complex score.  The baritone Michael Corvino plays Tony, the vineyard owner, and the soprano Molly Mustonen is his beloved Rosabella, both wonderful. Best of all, the musical is performed in Dicapo’s intimate theater with no amplification—the bane of Broadway shows.                                                                                                                                            Anthony Tommasini, The New York Times, March 12, 2012

Writing on March 17, 2012 for The New York Concert Review, critic Harry Saltzman raved:

…superb, magnificent, sublime all come to mind. Forget about 1957—this was the best performance I’ve heard of this great American masterpiece; the perfect amalgam of wonderful unamplified singing (both operatic and pop,) moving acting, clear and simple staging, costumes which conjured up a time and a place, and beautiful orchestra playing. Kudos to Dicapo Opera Theatre’s General Director, Michael Capasso.  He has a smash hit show on his hands.

The Most Happy Fella, directed by Dicapo’s General Director Michael Capasso and conducted by Dicapo Music Director Pacien Mazzagatti, will be sung in English, and features sets by John Farrell, costumes by Julie Wyma, and lighting by Susan Roth.  The cast for this production follows:

Tony Esposito:     Michael Corvino

Rosabella:            Molly Mustonen

Cleo:                      Lauren Hoffmeier

Herman:                Brance Cornelius              

The Most Happy Fella  | Open: 06/14/12 Close: 07/08/12
There are a limited quantity of VIP PREMIUM SEATS located in the center orchestra available for $100. Call SmartTix at 646-873-8216 to purchase your VIP PREMIUM SEATS.Special $35.00 price available for rear orchestra on Wed matinees and Friday Evenings Only.Musical theatre has long been an element of Dicapo's tradition. This year the company presents The Most Happy Fella, considered to be one of the most ambitiously operatic shows ever written for the Broadway stage. This May-September romance features a book, music, and lyrics by Tony-Award winner Frank Loesser, best known for Guys and Dolls and How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.


Other"

Opera.Other

The Most Happy Fella  | Open: 06/14/12 Close: 06/24/12
There are a limited quantity of VIP PREMIUM SEATS located in the center orchestra available for $100. Call SmartTix at 646-873-8216 to purchase your VIP PREMIUM SEATS.Special $35.00 price available for rear orchestra on Wed matinees and Friday Evenings Only.Musical theatre has long been an element of Dicapo's tradition. This year the company presents The Most Happy Fella, considered to be one of the most ambitiously operatic shows ever written for the Broadway stage. This May-September romance features a book, music, and lyrics by Tony-Award winner Frank Loesser, best known for Guys and Dolls and How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.


Other"

Opera.Other

Opera For Kids- Gianni Schicchi  | Open: 05/12/12 Close: 05/13/12


Classical"

Gilbert & Sullivan, The Ballet!  | Open: 05/03/12 Close: 05/06/12
GILBERT & SULLIVAN, The Ballet! is a fun-filled revue of three favorite comic operas: The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and H.M.S. Pinafore.  Francis Patrelle’s choreography highlights the joys, trials and rewards of a life in the theater: Sir William Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan battle over casting, bond over music, and get ripped off by their producer as a marvelous cast of dancers, singers, and musicians bring these operas to life.  


About the Company: Dances Patrelle

Dances Patrelle (DP), now it its 24th year, is a dynamic professional ballet company that keeps the tradition of dramatic ballet alive and offers opportunities for young dancers to learn from and perform alongside top dance professionals. DP presents two annual performance seasons in New York: its holiday tradition, The Yorkville Nutcracker, now going into its seventeenth year at the Daniel Kaye Theater, and a spring season of original works created by DP’s founder and director, Francis Patrelle.  Mr. Patrelle has set over 50 ballets on the company, including works to the American songbook (Gershwin, Rogers and Hart, Noel Coward, Jerry Lee Lewis, among others), and works to commissioned scores from contemporary composers (including Patrick Soluri and Rod Hausen).  

La Traviata  | Open: 04/12/12 Close: 04/22/12
Verdi’s beloved La traviata brings the 30th anniversary season to a close. Based on La dame aux Camélias (1852), a play adapted from the famous 19th century Alexandre Dumas novel, La traviata scandalized its audiences when first performed and now fills opera theatres the world over. Who can forget the star-crossed lovers Violetta and Alfredo as their tragedy unfolds to the lush Verdi score?


Classical"

Opera For Kids- La Traviata  | Open: 04/21/12 Close: 04/22/12


Classical"

Jazz At Dicapo: Swing Into Spring  | Open: 04/01/12 Close: 04/01/12
Ted Rosenthal with swinging jazz All-Stars, and a nod to the humorous side of jazz with some special “April Fools” surprises.


Jazz"

Jazz At Dicapo: Swing Into Spring  | Open: 04/01/12 Close: 04/01/12
Ted Rosenthal with swinging jazz All-Stars, and a nod to the humorous side of jazz with some special “April Fools” surprises.


Jazz"

Music.Jazz

Resident Artist Cabaret  | Open: 03/24/12 Close: 03/24/12
Dicapo's Resident Artist Company brings you the best of Broadway!


Other"

Resident Artist Cabaret  | Open: 03/24/12 Close: 03/24/12
Dicapo's Resident Artist Company brings you the best of Broadway!


Other"

Opera.Other

A Conversation With Stacy Keach  | Open: 03/19/12 Close: 03/19/12
Currently starring in Other Desert Cities, Stacy Keach is a stage and screen legend who has been described by one reviewer as “the finest American classical actor since John Barrymore.” Clive Barnes once praised his Hamlet as the best he’d ever seen. Mr. Keach will revisit not only that role but several others, among them Falstaff, Henry V, King Lear, Macbeth, and Richard III. His many accolades include a Golden Globe, three Obies, a Helen Hayes, and multiple nominations for Emmy and Tony awards.


Acting Class"

Pianist Xiayin Wang & The Fine Arts Quartet  | Open: 03/15/12 Close: 03/15/12
The dazzling pianist Xiayin Wang and the acclaimed Fine Arts Quartet will be heard at Dicapo Opera Theatre on March 15, 2012 at 8 p.m. The complete program follows:
Mozart: String Quartet in D minor, KV 421
Prokofiev: Sarcasms Op.17
Saint-Saëns: Piano Quintet, Op.14


Classical"

The Most Happy Fella  | Open: 03/08/12 Close: 03/11/12
Musical theatre has long been an element of Dicapo’s tradition. This year the company presents The Most Happy Fella, considered to be one of the most ambitiously operatic shows ever written for the Broadway stage. This May-September romance features a book, music, and lyrics by Tony-Award winner Frank Loesser, best known for Guys and Dolls and How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.


Contemporary Opera"

Gilbert & Sullivan, The Ballet!  | Open: 05/12/11 Close: 05/15/11
 

Dances Patrelle presents the World Premiere of Francis Patrelle’s GILBERT & SULLIVAN, The Ballet!, an evening-length work featuring live music and singers, as well as characters from Gilbert and Sullivan favorites, from May 12-15, 2011 at Dicapo Opera Theatre, 184 E. 76th Street, NYC.  Tickets are $20-35 and are available at 212-868-4444 or www.smarttix.com. 
 
GILBERT & SULLIVAN, The Ballet! is a fun-filled look at the staging of three favorite comic operas, as Patrelle’s choreography highlights the joys, trials and rewards of a life in the theater.  Sir William Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan battle over casting, bond over music, and get ripped off by their producer as a marvelous cast of dancers, singers, and musicians bring "The Pirates of Penzance", "The Mikado" and "HMS Pinafore" to life.  Dancers include: Jesse Marks of Colorado Ballet and Ballet X; Alexander Brady of Twyla Tharp’s "Movin’ Out" and "Come Fly Away"; Julie Voshell, also of "Movin’ Out"; Amy Brandt of Suzanne Farrell Ballet; Therese Wendler of Ballet International; and John-Mark Owen of Ballet NY and American Repertory Ballet.  Select students from premier ballet schools in the NYC area will also be featured, with Music Director Warren Helms, Set Designer Gillian Bradshaw Smith, Costume Designer Rita B. Watson, Lighting Designer David Grill, and co-creation of the original story by award-winning novelist Justin Allen.   The company will present a special Family Matinee performance – a version of GILBERT & SULLIVAN, The Ballet! featuring a meet and greet with characters from the show for younger audience members on Sunday at 2pm.  Performances:  Thursday and Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday at 2pm and 7pm; and Sunday at 2pm (Family Matinee).  Appropriate for all ages.