Menotti’s The Old Maid and The Thief & Offenbach’s The Lantern Marriage

The Alabama School of the Arts Opera has prepared a double feature of love with Menotti’s The Old Maid and The Thief and Offenbach’s The Lantern Marriage!

The Old Maid and the Thief exposes the whispers and mysteries of a seemingly quiet town. The busybody middle-aged spinster, Miss Todd has her world turned upside-down when a beggar knocks at her door one rainy afternoon. She, along with her maid, Laetitia, quickly become smitten with the handsome wanderer and are eager to provide him shelter. Love and heartache are under one roof as a tale of mistaken identity, nosey neighbors, and lovesickness unfolds.

The Lantern Marriage takes you to the village square of a small farm in the hills as the story of a young farmer, Guillot, entrusted to look after his orphan cousin, Denise, is shared. The two exchange letters with their uncle sharing the misery and inconvenience of this arrangement. The uncle then replies telling them of a hidden treasure that can be found under a great tree on a specific day and time. Hidden feelings, gossiping widows, and a fight to win the affections of the uncle; make this comedic opera one you do not want to miss.