Experience the Magic of the Wichita Grand Opera

Puccini’s Tosca is a tightly constructed drama of love, power, faith, political conflict, and betrayal.

Set in Rome in June 1800, the opera follows celebrated singer Floria Tosca and painter Mario Cavaradossi as they are drawn into the schemes of Baron Scarpia, Rome’s ruthless chief of police. The story unfolds over the course of a single day, moving from the church of Sant’Andrea della Valle to the Palazzo Farnese and finally to the Castel Sant’Angelo.

First performed in Rome in 1900, Tosca features some of Puccini’s most burningly intense music, including “Vissi d’arte” and “Te Deum” 

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Gian Carlo Menotti’s one-act opera tells the story of Amahl, a poor and crippled shepherd boy who lives with his widowed mother. Their lives change when the Three Magi stop at their home while following the star to Bethlehem.

Inspired by their journey and their account of a kingdom built on love, Amahl offers his crutch as a gift for the child they seek. His act of generosity leads to a miracle and gives the opera its moving conclusion.

Menotti wrote both the music and the English-language libretto. Composed for television in 1951, the work became one of his best-known operas and remains beloved for its direct storytelling, memorable characters, warmth, and accessibility.

Wichita Grand Opera will present the production in partnership with Wichita State University, bringing together professional WGO artists and student performers. 

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Two landmarks of Italian opera will be presented together in the celebrated double bill commonly known as “Cav/Pag.”

Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana, first performed in 1890, is set in a Sicilian village and follows the consequences of an affair involving Turiddu, Lola, Santuzza, and Alfio. Its story of jealousy, betrayal, and revenge helped establish the direct and emotionally charged style associated with Italian verismo opera.

Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, first performed in 1892, centers on a traveling troupe of commedia dell’arte actors. As the performers prepare to present a comedy, their private jealousies and betrayals begin to overtake the play itself until the line between the stage and real life disappears.

The opera includes Canio’s famous aria “Vesti la giubba,” sung as he prepares to perform despite the personal anguish he must conceal.

Together, the two works form opera’s most famous traditional double bill. WGO’s production will feature acclaimed guest singers, returning performers familiar to local audiences, and the full forces of the Wichita Grand Opera Orchestra and Chorus.

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May 8 and 9

With music and lyrics by Adam Guettel and a book by Craig Lucas, The Light in the Piazza is set in Italy during the summer of 1953.

The musical follows Margaret Johnson and her daughter, Clara, as they travel through Tuscany. When Clara meets and falls in love with Fabrizio Naccarelli, a young Florentine, Margaret attempts to keep them apart. As the relationship deepens, Margaret must reconsider what her daughter is capable of and whether protecting Clara may also prevent her from building a life of her own.

The work opened on Broadway at Lincoln Center Theater in 2005 and received six Tony Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations. Its score combines the sweep of classical music and opera with the intimacy and emotional directness of contemporary musical theater.

Wichita Grand Opera’s production will bring the season to a close at the Orpheum Theatre with professional singers, members of the WGO Orchestra, and artists both new and familiar to Wichita audiences.

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