The first opera written for radio, “The Old Maid and the Thief” was created by Gian Carlo Menotti in 1939. It is a comedic look at scandals, gossip and reputation in early 20th century America.
Joseph Wiggett, director and assistant professor of voice and opera, said he chose the play because “it was more approachable.”
Unlike many other operas, “The Old Maid and the Thief” is performed in English, only lasts an hour and requires few set changes.
The play tells the story of an old maid and her housekeeper, and a handsome stranger who turns their lives upside down.
Miss Todd, an old spinster burned by love, spends her days gossiping and talking about the weather with her nosy friend, Miss Pinkerton. She wishes for love and would do anything to have it again. Her housekeeper, Laetita, thinking her youth is passing her by, also dreams of someday falling in love and running away.
When Bob, a tall, handsome beggar, comes to their house looking for alms, they both secretly hope their dreams will come true.
Miss Todd soon finds herself involved in scandalous acts to win Bob’s heart.
Menotti’s second opera was inspired by visits with the Barber family, where the gossip in the parlor was comical, quiet and always scandalous. Menotti said he wrote this opera with a young and naive outlook, reflecting his life at that time.
The biggest challenges in preparing the production were “timing and lighting because of the three sets,” Wiggett said.
Becky Perryman, hotel and restaurant administration major, and Hannah Kitzel, family relations and child development major, both said they enjoyed the opera. “My favorite part was the opening scene,” Perryman said.
“I thought it was very funny,” Kitzel added.
Wiggett thought the production went well.
“It got a lot of laughs in the right places and that’s the important part,” he said.
Wiggett hopes to produce a similar opera next year.
“It all depends on who graduates and who’s coming in,” he said.
“The Old Maid and the Thief” can be seen 11:30 a.m. today in the Seretean Center.
Tickets are available at the Seretean Center box office. Prices are $5 for general admission and $3 for OSU students.
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