Festival
of One-Act Operas
Show Dates November 6,
7, 8, 13, 14, & 15, 2020
Poster Design by Melanie Fabrizius
We will
continue to monitor the COVID 19 pandemic closely. Seating is
limited at all performances.
Approved masks are mandatory
and continuous mask wearing is required during performances by
audience members. Audience members must wear N 95 masks, surgical masks or double
layer approved masks.
Concessions are unavailable and there
is very limited restroom accessibility.
The Impresario (Wolfgang
Amadeus Mozart) Frank, the impresario (along with the buffo
singer, Buff, who assists him) audition two actresses to be part
of his new theatrical company. While both are hired, they then
argue over who will get the prime role and who will be paid the
most. To illustrate their strengths, each sings a striking aria
to back her claim (Herz: "Da schlägt die Abschiedsstunde",
Silberklang: "Bester Jüngling"). An agreement is reached when
the tenor, Vogelsang, intervenes, in what Julian Rushton
describes as a hilarious trio, "Ich bin die erste Sängerin" (I
am the prima donna) compromise is agreed to, with each receiving
"large salaries and star billing".The work ends with the quartet
"Jeder Künstler strebt nach Ehre" (Every artist strives for
glory).
Dress Rehearsal Photographs by William Stearns
Director -
Mary Ann Connors
Music Director -
Doug Nagel
Accompanist
Tim Schoessler
Assistant Director / Stage Manager
- William Stearns
Costumes -
Mary Ann Connors
Set - Dan Struckman
CAST LIST
Mr. Scruples -
Doug Nagel
Mr. Bluff -
Kieran Beebe
Mr. Angel -
William Stearns
Madame
Goldentrill -
Drew Murray
Miss Silverpeal -
Emerald
Hart
Synopsis
The Impresario concerns the woes of an
impresario, Mr. Scruples, who must put together a company of
actors and singers while dealing with their whims, rivalries and
pretensions. The company faces economic difficulties which are
ultimately solved thanks to the intervention of Mr. Angel, a
banker, who is persuades Scruples to audition Madame
Goldentrill, Mr. Angel's lover. When Scruples is unimpressed,
Mr. Angel introduces his rising star, Ms. Silverpeal, who
insists on auditioning for the leading soprano role. The two
ambitious singers confront Scruples about who the next prima
donna will be, while Bluff attempts to reconcile matters. In the
end, it is determined that art can thrive only through the
peaceable cooperation of all their strengths.
William Stearns performs as Mr. Angel in the NOVA Center for the Performing Arts production of The Impresario in Billings on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020.
Mike Clark Billings Gazette
Drew Murray performs as Madame Goldentrill in the NOVA Center for the Performing Arts production of The Impresario in Billings on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020.
MIKE CLARK Billings Gazette
Doug Nagel performs as Mr. Scruples in the NOVA Center for the Performing Arts production of "The Impresario" in Billings on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020.
MIKE CLARK Billings Gazette
Emerald Hart performs as Ms. Silverpeal in the NOVA Center for the Performing Arts production of The Impresario in Billings on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020.
MIKE CLARK Billings Gazette
