Don Pasquale

Donizetti’s comic opera Don Pasquale has been entertaining and delighting audiences worldwide since the mid-1800s. The story concerns old and wealthy bachelor Don Pasquale, who has been the caretaker of his nephew, Ernesto, for some time.

Pasquale attempts to secure Ernesto’s future by arranging a marriage between Ernesto and a “proper” girl. However, Ernesto is in love with the young widow Norina, and refuses to marry Pasquale’s suggested bride. With the help of their friend Dr. Malatesta, Ernesto and Norina set out to trick Don Pasquale into letting them marry after all.

Dr. Malatesta has Norina impersonate his sweet, innocent sister and marry Pasquale in a fake wedding. She then drives Pasquale up the wall with a series of outrageous antics until he is at her mercy and will agree to anything to get rid of her.

Pittsburgh Opera will give audiences a fresh take on this classic comedy, with a production set in 1930’s Hollywood which has never before been performed in Pittsburgh.

Gary Wedow conducts. Chuck Hudson directs.