Soo Opera Theatre Presents Gianni Schicchi August 12, 13, and 15

A comedic opera, Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini, opens Thursday, August 12th at 7:30 p.m. at the Soo Theatre Project. This year the Soo Opera Theatre welcomes guest artists Thomas Gunther from Cincinnati, Ohio and Scott Wichael from Kansas City, Kansas. This is a one-act comedic production, performed in English, starring Thomas Gunther (in rehearsal photo at right) in the title role, Scott Wichael as Rinuccio, and Pickford resident Karen Hughes as Lauretta. Highlighting performers from the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Gianni Schicchi is directed by the talented Timothy Murphy, with Musical Director Karen Hughes, and a live orchestra conducted by Dr. John Wilkinson.

Set in modern day Manhattan, the Donati family is mourning the loss of their dear Buoso Donati, all the while hoping he has willed them his money, real estate, and the finest horse in Jersey. The family becomes outraged when they find out they are not included in Donati’s will. At the same time, Rinuccio is asking to marry Gianni Schicchi’s daughter Lauretta, but no one in the family will allow this since Lauretta does not have a trust fund and Schicchi’s past is not to their standards. Enter Schicchi, whom Rinuccio called, to assess the situation and see if there is a loophole in Donati’s will. Schicchi suggests an outlandish idea of him posing as Donati, alive, and re-writing the will.

Soo Opera Theatre’s Gianni Schicchi will have two evening performances on Thursday, August 12th and Friday, August 13th at 7:30 pm. A matinee performance will be on Sunday, August 15th at 2:00 pm. Ticket prices are $15.00 for general admission and $10.00 for students. Group rates are available by calling the theatre at (906) 632-1930.

Soo Theatre Project is located at 534 Ashmun Street in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Come, join, and support your local community at Soo Theatre Project. www.sootheatre.org