Saltworks Opera Brings Menotti Operas to Northstreet Playhouse

The Old Maid and the Thief is a radio opera in one act by Italian-American composer Gian Carlo Menotti. The work uses an English language libretto by the composer which tells a twisted tale of morals and evil womanly power. Menotti writes in the libretto “The devil couldn’t do what a woman can- Make a thief out of an honest man.” Commissioned by NBC, The Old Maid and the Thief was one of the earliest operas composed specifically for performance on the radio. Upon the opera’s premiere in 1939, the work was received with wide enthusiasm by American music critics.

The Telephone, or L’Amour à trois is an English-language comic opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti, both words and music. It was written for production by the Ballet Society.

Saltworks Opera is proud to announce that these two Menotti operas will be put on at the North Street Playhouse August 17th, 18th, and 19th. Saltworks is using professionals from abroad, but also have cast two locals Elizabeth Wolfe and Jo Ann Molera.

Showtimes are 7 pm on August 17 & 18, with a 2 pm matinee on August 19.