This production has closed.
get your tickets to Turandot early!
Verdi’s masterful Rigoletto is an opera in three acts that premiered in Venice on March 11, 1851. It was based on a controversial Victor Hugo piece known as “Le Roi s’amuse” which translates to “The King enjoys himself.”
The story of the jester Rigoletto, his naive daughter Gilda, and the treacherous Duke of Mantua was nearly banned by censors upon its debut, but it went on to become one of Verdi’s most championed works. In particular, pieces like “Caro nome,” “La donna é mobile,” and “Bella figlia dell’amore” propelled opera forward during Verdi’s lifetime and challenged and inspired the audience of yesterday and today. The legendary storm music in the final act carries all of Verdi’s tumultuous passion as he creates one of opera’s most evocative scenes.
Production photos by Joe del Tufo for Moonloop Photography.
Meet the ARTISTS
CAST
Grant Youngblood as Rigoletto
Rachel Blaustein as Gilda
Dane Suarez as The Duke of Mantua
Young Bok Kim as Sparafucile
Megan Marino as Maddalena
Eric McKeever as Monterone
Henrique Carvalho as Marullo
Louis Tiemann as Matteo Borsa
Rachel Barg as Giovanna
Denique Isaac as Countess Ceprano
Kevin Patrick as Count Ceprano
Laura Zahn as Paggio della Duchessa
Gordon Blodgett as Court Usher
Creative Team
Kristen Barrett - Stage Director
Viswa Subbaraman - Conductor
Brittany Rappise - Wig & Makeup Designer
Jefferson Ridenour - Scenic Designer
Tlaloc Lopez-Watermann - Lighting Designer
Bob Parker - Technical Director + Set Construction
Erica Harney - Scenic Charge
Glenn Breed - Costume Design
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER INTO VERDI’S Rigoletto?
Dr. Aaron Ziegel, Associate Professor and Division Leader of Music History and Culture at Towson University, led a 3-part series of pre-performance lectures on the timeless and tragic Rigoletto, presented by our coproducers and friends at Opera Baltimore.
Catch up on Dr. Ziegel’s lectures below.
Biannual Opening Night Microgala!
Our biannual Opening Night Microgala is a Casino-themed fundraiser held in the lobby at The Grand Opera House. Attendees can try their luck at Blackjack and Poker, sip champagne, enjoy Italian bites, and get a souvenir photo on the Red Carpet Runway!
Purchase tickets at the $150 to compete in a high stakes game of Poker with a $1000 grand prize!