Woody Allen to direct LA OPERA!

“You know, funny to opera people is not funny to the Marx Brothers.”

 “I figured, ‘Eh, I’ll be dead before it happens. I’m 72. I’m never going to make it to the opera.’”

-Woody Allen, Village Voice, August 12, 2008.

Although he incorporated opera music into his 2005 film Match Point, Gianni Schicchi marks Woody Allen’s foray into directing opera. Gianni Schicchi forms part of Puccini’s three-act “Il Trittico;” Academy Award-winning director William Friedkin will direct the other two acts, Il Tabarro and Suor Angelica.

Gianni Schicchi, Puccini’s only black comedy, provides the perfect fodder for Woody Allen’s mischievous and magical touch. The libretto by Giovacchino Forzano, comes from a story in Dante’s Inferno and involves avarice, impersonations of the dead, and the quest for true love.

Mr. Allen has expressed qualms about his debut, remarking to the Village Voice that, “I’ll just do the best I can and then get out of town and let them tar and feather Friedkin.” He confessed that he agreed to Placido Domingo’s request to direct an opera because he thought he would have kicked the bucket by the time it materialized. Well. Woody is alive and kicking, and we have a feeling that Puccini will never be the same again.

Il Trittico, Giacomo Puccini. LA OPERA.

Saturday September 6,6.00 p.m. Thursday September 11, 7:30 p.m. Sunday September 14, 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday September 17, 7:30 p.m. Sunday September 21, 2:00 p.m. Tuesday September 23, 7:30 p.m.

Friday September 26 7:30 p.m.

 For information on tickets call (213) 972-8001 or visit:

 http://www.losangelesopera.com/