Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 01/30/2023
The Sopranos meet The Addams Family in NJ Festival Orchestra’s upcoming production of Puccini’s only comedy, Gianni Schicchi. A cast of internationally acclaimed guest performers from NY Met Opera and beyond joins Maestro David Wroe and the fully professional orchestra to present this hilarious, rip-roaring comic romp of deception, greed and double-crossing. Gianni Schicchi will be performed in Hoboken (February 24) and Springfield (February 25).
Puccini’s comic masterpiece, a riotous one-acter, chronicles the backstabbing and conniving nature of the grasping Donati family of Florence, Italy, as they gather at the death bed of their rich uncle. Unexpectedly disinherited, they turn to an outsider, Gianni Schicchi, to change the will in their favor with hilarious and unexpected results.
Although originally a dark satire based on a real story mentioned in Dante’s Inferno, the squabbling, the greed, the feigned grief for the dead man and the real grief over the loss of a fortune all make for an excellent farce, brought up to date by stage director Beth Greenberg.
“This opera is a lot of fun,” said NJFO Music Director David Wroe. “The tempo is fast, the interpretation original, the score effervescent, and our guest artists are outstanding.”
Audience members will likely recognize one of Puccini’s most celebrated arias ever: “O mio babbino caro” which will be sung by Met Opera soprano Ashley Emerson in the role of Lauretta, Gianni Schicchi’s daughter. Dane Suarez will sing Lauretta’s lover Rinuccio, and Daniel Klein will sing the title role. Janice Myerson, mezzo-soprano, is Zita, the dead Buoso Donati’s cousin.
"We are thrilled to be joined by these fabulous singers,” continued Wroe. “Each of them is a star who has already graced the stages of some of the most magnificent concert halls and opera houses across the world. With their outstanding artistic interpretation and comedic technique, I predict that audience members will not only revel in the music – they’ll be laughing their heads off! Opera lovers and opera haters alike are in for a real treat!”
Top Row: Daniel Klein (left), Ashley Emerson (right)
Bottom Row: Dane Suarez (left), Janice Myerson (right)
Sung in Italian with English supertitles, Gianni Schicchi, has been made possible through the generous support from the NJ State Council on the Arts and The Joseph T. DeAlessandro Memorial Foundation.
PERFORMANCES
Friday, February 24th at 8:00pm at DeBaun PAC, Stevens Institute of Technology, 24 5th St, Hoboken, NJ. For tickets and information, click here.
Saturday, February 25th at 7:00pm at Renaissance Church, 639 Mountain Ave, Springfield, NJ. For tickets and information, click here or call 908-232-9400.
The New Jersey Festival Orchestra is a premier, fully professional, symphony orchestra. Founded in Westfield in 1983, NJ Festival Orchestra has grown to become one of New Jersey’s largest professional orchestras, having a presence throughout many cultural communities of New Jersey, and appearing as far afield as Carnegie Hall on a regular basis.
EVENT PREVIEWS
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August
(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.
Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Widespread Panic is taking over Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena for three nights from August 14-16, 2026 with shows at 8:00pm each night. The popular jam band has been together over three decades. Tickets are available for each show individually or as a 3-Day Pass.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
FEATURED EVENTS
