Opera expert/writer-producer Dennis Neil Kleinman will lead a lively discussion on Rigoletto. Rigoletto was Verdi’s 16th opera and the one that made him a global superstar. It is an unsettling tale of malice, mayhem and murder in 16th century Mantua. The opera’s namesake is a hunchbacked jester whose job it is to keep the Duke of Mantua amused, which he does by making fun of the people at court. Some of the courtiers don’t like being mocked and hit back by kidnapping Rigoletto’s beloved daughter, Gilda. Rigoletto vows revenge unleashing forces that lead to one of the most unexpected and horrifying endings in all of opera.

Critics of the day hated Rigoletto, calling it “…a repugnant example of immorality and obscene triviality.” But no one could deny the brilliance and power of the music, which includes one of opera’s all-time greatest hits, “La Donna Mobile”. As scintillating as it is brutal, Rigoletto remains a singular emotional experience that is not to be missed.

About Opera Connection

Whether you are a seasoned opera buff or someone who has always wondered, “What’s the fuss?,” “What’s a libretto?,” or maybe even “Why the funny hats?” The Opera Connection will give you something to sing about. Hosted by cultural historian/composer Dennis Neil Kleinman, the Opera Connection will present lively, engaging, jargon-free discussions  this season, the perfect way to enhance and enrich your enjoyment of these magnificent works. So if you don’t get opera, or if you want to get it on a whole new level…Get Connected!

About Our Moderator

Dennis Neil Kleinman is a writer/producer whose work has appeared on The Disney Channel, Showtime, and The History Channel. Kids know Dennis best for writing the theme song for the multi-Emmy Award-winning PBS series Reading Rainbow.

Please Note: Opera Connections is a separate event and does NOT include entry to the live opera at the Historic Theater. Tickets to the live opera can be purchased by clicking here.