UD Opera Theatre stages David Conte’s The Gift of the Magi with Michael Ching’s Speed Dating Tonight on November 12, 2017.
The Gift of the Magi‘s libretto, written by Nicholas Giardini, captures the essence of the operatic drama contained in the classic O. Henry short story. Della (Soprano) and Jim (Baritone) are a young, poor couple in love, entirely devoted to each other. The action takes place late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. After having pledged not to exchange Christmas gifts, both decide to sell their own most precious possession in order to buy what each thinks will make the other most happy. Even though Jim adores her long, flowing tresses, Della sells her hair to wig makers so she can buy Jim a chain for his pocket watch. When Jim buys Della an exquisitely elaborate comb for her hair, the only way he can raise the money is to sell his heirloom watch. In separate scenes, both lovers have confidants who try to dissuade them of their plans, each without success. In the final scene, after the couple has exchanged their gifts, Jim and Della reaffirm their love for one another, which they now realize is the greatest gift of all.
Speed Dating Tonight! is considered one of the most popular operas in the 21st-century. It is an one act American opera that tells the story of a single hour in the lives of a group of people experiencing speed dating for the first time. It takes place in a local restaurant and includes colorful characters like a car salesman, origami designer, realtor, Tech addicts (OSD), and an over-the-top cat lover. Love at first sight, as well as two exes running into each other, are just two of the comical and romantic moments. This performance will feature two new “Delaware Dates” written especially for UD Opera Theatre.
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