Touch of Classics! Entertainment is bringing Gian-Carlo Menotti’s The Telephone and The Medium to The Rotunda for a contrasting, dynamic duo of hilarious comedy and macabre drama. Touch of Classics! James R. Longacre and Dorothy Cardella bring these fully staged and costumed musical presentations for the enjoyment of all this Halloween season.
Although the two operas are highly contrasted in subject matter, both work well in theatrical terms. The plot of The Telephone revolves around the attempts of Ben to propose marriage to Lucy in her apartment before he leaves on a trip. Numerous phone calls and conversations preoccupy her and prevent him from popping the question. Highly frustrated—to the point of trying to cut the telephone wires—he eventually leaves, but then makes one last attempt by proposing to her from a phone booth outside in the street. She accepts and before he leaves, reminds him of her phone number in a last duet.
The subject matter of The Medium is considerably darker. The central character is Madame Flora, a fake medium. She uses her daughter Monica and her adopted mute gypsy son, Toby, whom she found with his tongue cut out, to stage séances. During one of these, Madame Flora feels something touch her. Following a confrontation with her clients, she confesses to her trickery, but her clients refuse to believe her: they are only too anxious to believe in the existence of their daughter’s spirit. Drinking heavily, Flora hears voices. Toby, while hidden behind a curtain, bumps it, suggesting to Flora the presence of the spirits she believes to be hearing, ending with tragic consequences.
(Due to the nature of the show, this production is not suitable for children under 13 years of age)
The production features a superb cast of performers in this fully staged and costumed production at The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street in Philadelphia, PA. Included in the cast are Dorothy Cardella, Stephen Raytek, Sharon Derstine, Sarah Baumgarten, Abby Culp, Lisa Landley, Edward Bogusz and Mary Punshon. Directing the opera is Michael Tunney and Music Director is Joseph Krupa. The performances are at The Rotunda on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania with shows Saturday, October 19th at 7:30pm and Sunday, the 20th at 5:00pm. Tickets are $15.00, cash only at the door. The venue is wheelchair accessible and on street and public parking is available.
Touch of Classics! looks forward to seeing everyone at The Rotunda for these fully staged and costumed performances on Saturday, October 19th at 7:30pm and Sunday, October 20th at 5:00pm, so join us for a “Comedy-Macabre” good time.