Vancouver Opera’s Don Pasquale

The Queen Elizabeth Theatre is the stage for Donizetti’s madcap masterpiece set in 1960’s Rome.

A whacky story about inter-generational jealousy, deception and reconciliation This opera is bursting with vivid colour, engaging melodies, fun characters and plenty of cats.

Told in 3 acts, it’s on the lighter side of opera but not without a comedic element of cruelty. After all, what would opera be, if not deprived of a little misfortune? The amusing story and cast of characters will appeal to everyone.

The title character is Don Pasquale, a wealthy bachelor getting on in years, who has grown tired of his lazy, sole-inheretor nephew, Ernesto. Worried that his wealth will be squandered, he has chosen a bride for Ernesto. Ernesto, who is currently in love with a young widow named Norina whom Pasquale has never met, asserts that he won’t marry a woman of his uncle’s choosing.

So Pasquale determines to find himself a wife instead. A mutual friend of his & Ernesto’s named Dr. Malatesta, suggests his beautiful younger sister Sofronia, as Pasquale’s prospective bride. A thrilled Pasquale asks his friend to arrange a meeting at once. Pasquale tells Ernesto to move out of his pensione and announces his own marriage plans. Astonished, and with prospects of an inheritance slipping away, Ernesto sees his dreams evaporating. A further hurt: he learns that his confidant Malatesta has arranged Pasquale’s marriage.

Meanwhile, Norina confidently reflects on her ability to be able to charm a man. When Dr. Malatesta arrives, they decide to concoct a plan together. Norina will pose as Sofronia and marry Pasquale in a mock ceremony. Norina is keen to play the role of wife if it will result in her and Ernesto being together.

However, Ernesto is unaware of their scheme.

Don Pasquale is impatient to meet his prospective bride. When Norina (as Sofronia), the distinctly feline young lady turns up, he is instantly smitten. He decides they should get married immediately.

However; having a wife is not quite as straightforward as he expected…

Be careful what you wish for. In addition to her new shift in attitude, “Sofronia” has started living extravagantly, blowing through Pasquale’s money. Servants arrive carrying more of her purchases, and Pasquale, at wit’s end, angrily resolves to assert his rights as husband.