Maryland Opera Studio: Crime and Punishment

Maryland Opera Studio

Crime and Punishment: Operas in One Act
April 18-26, 2015
Suitcases
Principal People: 
The Old Maid and the Thief

Conductor James Ross

Director Kasi Campbell

L'enfant et les sortilèges
L'occasione fa il ladro

Conductor Craig Kier

Director Nick Olcott

Event Attributes

Presented By

Presented By: 
Venue: 
Program Notes: 

Crime and punishment appears in many forms in each of these one-act operas, all masterfully performed by the nationally-renown Maryland Opera Studio.

Gioachino Rossini: L’occasione fa il ladro (Opportunity makes a thief)

When two suitcases are switched at an inn, one of the travelers decides to assume the identity of the man whose suitcase he’s received – and steal his fiancée!

  • Craig Kier, conductor
  • Nick Olcott, director
Gian Carlo Menotti: The Old Maid and the Thief

Two honest women attempt to woo an innocent man who they believe is a burglar. Overpowered by their desperation, they ultimately become the thieves themselves.

  • James Ross, conductor
  • Kasi Campbell, director
Maurice Ravel: L’enfant et les sortilèges (The child and the magical appearances)

A naughty child throws a tantrum and goes on a destructive rampage. To his surprise, all the objects, plants, and animals he has hurt joins forces to seek revenge on him.

  • Craig Kier, conductor
  • Nick Olcott, director

Behind-the-scenes video

Review by the UMD Writer's Bloc

Webber’s humor is back as lead frog. He envelops the role like a frog would a fly, interpreting the movements, feelings and even hand gestures of an amphibian with poise.The lighted dots of falling stars in the background are wonderful. The animal costumes that come out in the night – especially the moths, frogs and owls – are stunning.

— EVAN BERKOWITZUMD Writers Bloc, April 24, 2015

Review by DC Metro Theater Arts

Polonio deftly captured the nuances and subtle movements of an older woman yet came alive with her adoration for Bob. Hitchcock sparkled as the conniving Laetitia and showed vulnerability and desire in “Steal me, sweet thief.” Voinier had superb comedic timing and also shone in his dramatic aria, “When the air sings of summer,” as he contemplated hitting the road again

— EMILY SCHWEICHDC Metro Theater Arts, April 20, 2015

Review by the UMD Writers' Bloc

The two of them communicated their character’s special relationship very well – especially in an opening number round. Martino and the silent, nameless maid played by soprano Laynee Dell Woodward have good chemistry as they battle over the swapped trunks, stealing scenes they don’t even sing in.

— EVAN BERKOWITZUMD Writers' Bloc, April 28, 2015

Review by the UMD Writers' Bloc

The movement captures feelings well, from the pleasantries repeatedly shared by Miss Todd and Miss Pinkerton to the absolutely wonderful sequence during which bass Daren Jackson’s policeman chases Laetitia and the two dance in place as the set rotates behind them, strobe lights breaking their motion.

— EVAN BERKOWITZUMD Writers' Bloc, April 29, 2015