PSU Opera and Queer Opera present a unique, Covid-safe production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s radio opera “The Old Maid and the Thief”. Our singers were pre-recorded, mixed with an electronic orchestral underscoring, and then edited into a virtual environment, so they can be in the same room - without actually being in the same room!
In Menotti’s original casting, the vagabond Bob shows up on Miss Todd’s doorstep where she is immediately taken with him - but so is her maid Laetitia. When neighborhood gossip Miss Pinkerton reveals that there’s a thief in town who bears a striking resemblance to Bob, Miss Todd and Laetitia are forced to decide his fate. Will they turn him in, or do whatever is necessary to keep him safe?
In PSU’s production, the roles are uniquely cast in order to avoid the traditional heteronormative approach to operatic storytelling. Bob is replaced with Peg in one cast. And in another, Laeticia and MISTER Todd have to decide how to handle their visitor.