UCLA Opera Theater Presents
Mozart’s
La Finta Giardiniera
(“The Phony Gardener-Girl”)
In English
Samuel Krachmalnick
Director
John Hall
Producer & Stage Director
Thursday - Sunday
November 17, 18, 19, 20 1983
Jan Popper Theater
8:00 P.M.
English adaptation by
Earlene Kidder and John Hall
Libretto probably by Giuseppe Petrosellini
Music by W. A. Mozart
(Premiere Performance, Munich, January 13, 1775)
Act I
In a jealous quarrel, the young Count Belfiore has stabbed his wife Violent. Believing her dead he flees; but she, still alive and in love with him, assumes the disguise of Sandrina, a gardener’s maid and with her faithful servant Nardo, follows. Him to Lagonero where she and Nardo are employed by the Podestá. When the act begins preparations are being made for the Podestá’s niece Arminda to meet her noble suitor, Count Belfiore. Hoping to gain entry to the nobility, the Podestá has arranged for Arminda to marry the Count even though she loves the poet Ramiro. When the Count Belfiore arrives to meet his newly-betrothed, he finds a very determined young woman who is not at all ready to become Countess Belfiore. Assured by the Pedestá that all can be smoothed over, the Count then comes face to face with Sandrina, the image of his lost Violent, but when Arminda discovers the pair in the garden she is furious. The Podestá, urged on by Serpetta, becomes furious with his recalcitrant niece, and a finale of general confusion and mutual recriminations ends the act.
Act II
When the act begins we see Serpetta trying to ease the tempers of Arminda and Belfiore. Coaxing them to a reconciliation of sorts, the marriage plans are again foiled by Sandrina. Arminda then is determined to take matters into her own hands. She loves Ramiro and plans to abduct Sandrina and place the blame on Count Belfiore, therefore eliminating his prospects as a bridegroom. Ramiro comes in and declares his love for her, and Arminda enlists his help in kidnapping Sandrina and fooling Belfiore. Nardo, who has loved the maid Serpetta pays court to the young chambermaid, unwittingly allowing her to steal the keys to the wine cellar where Sandrina will be kept. The kidnapping takes place, and all seems to be going well until everyone shows up in the wine cellar. Accusations erupt, and fighting ensues until Sandrina reveals she is indeed the Countess Belfiore. Arminda then discovers that her uncle the Podestá has lied to her about Ramiro, and with the aid of her former gardener-girl is now free to marry Ramiro. Nardo wins the hand of Serpent, and the chastened Podestá is left to repair his native dignity. With all forgiven they toast to pleasure and celebration of love.
Podestá,
Don Anchise, the Mayor of Lagonero
Ron Shaheen
Sandrina
In reality, the Countess Violanta Belfiore,
Now disguised as a gardener’s maid
Barbara Hancock
Belfiore,
A Count, now betrothed to Arminda,
but formerly wed to Violanta
Michael Daniels
Arminda,
Niece of the Podestá and
in love with Ramiro
Carole Schaffer
Don Ramiro,
a young poet, in love with Arminda
Therese Lee
Serpetta,
chamber maid to Arminda
Cheryl Dooley
Nardo,
servant to Violanta, he is disguised
as the gardener to the Podestá,
in love with Serpetta
John DeKelaita
The action takes place in the house
and garden of Don Anchise,
the Podesta’ of Lagonero.
Conductor
Samuel Krachmalnick
Stage Director
John Hall
Musical Accompaniment
Peggy Sheffield
Costumes
Edythe Johnson
Lighting
Eileen Cooley
Production Manager
Nancy Norsby
Publicity Coordinator
Kathleen Moon