Sister Angelica by Puccini
Sung in English
Music Direction by
Sandi Rabas
Stage Direction by
Dennis Rupp
Sandi Rabas pianist
CAST
Angelica-Michelle Kei Ishuu
Princess-Michelle Berger
Abbess-Kristin Van Luchene
Monitor-Judy Kniss
Mistress of the Novices-Sara Ricord
Genevieve-Carly McKenzie
Osmina-Janie Rife
Dolcina-Christa Saloman
Nursing Sister-Jess Shultis
Tourieres-Danielle Dodge, Amanda Leonard
Nun's Choir-Kristin Van Luchene, Judy Kniss, Carly
McKenzie, Janie Rife, Christa Salomon, Jess Shultis,
Erin Small, Amanda Leonard, Christina Pezzarossi,
Jacqueline Weitz, Kimiko Bennion, Mary Ryan, and Ashley
Miller
Time: The latter part of the 17th century.
Synopsis
The opera opens with scenes showing typical aspects of
life in the convent — all the sisters sing hymns, the
Monitor scolds two lay-sisters, everyone gathers for
recreation in the courtyard. The sisters rejoice
because, as the Mistress of Novices explains, this is
the first of three evenings that occur each year when
the setting sun strikes the fountain to turn its water
golden. This event causes the sisters to remember a
sister who has died, Bianca Rosa. Sister Genevieve
suggests they pour some of the golden water onto her
tomb.
The nuns then discuss their desires — while the Monitor
believes that any desire at all is wrong, Sister
Genevieve confesses that she wishes to see lambs again
because she used to be a shepherd when she was a girl,
and Sister Dolcina wishes for something good to eat.
Sister Angelica claims to have no desires, but as soon
as she says so, the nuns begin gossiping — Sister
Angelica has lied, because her true desire is to hear
from her wealthy, noble family, whom she has not heard
from in seven years. The rumors have it that she was
sent to the convent in punishment.
The conversation is interrupted by the Infirmary Sister,
who begs Sister Angelica to make an herbal remedy —
Sister Angelica's specialty. Two Tourieres then arrive,
bringing supplies to the convent, as well as news that a
grand coach is waiting outside the convent. Sister
Angelica immediately becomes nervous and upset, thinking
rightly that someone in her family has come to visit
her. The Abbess chastises Sister Angelica for her
inappropriate excitement and then goes on to announce
the visitor, the Princess, Sister Angelica's aunt.
The Princess explains that Angelica's sister is to be
married to the man that used to be her lover and that
Angelica must sign a document renouncing her claim to
her inheritance. Angelica replies that she has repented
for her sin, but there is one thing she cannot offer in
sacrifice to the Virgin — she cannot forget the memory
of her illegitimate son who was taken from her seven
years ago. The Princess refuses to speak, but finally
informs Sister Angelica that her son died of fever two
years ago. Sister Angelica, devastated, signs the
document and collapses in tears. The Princess leaves.
Sister Angelica is seized by a heavenly vision — she
believes she hears her son calling for her to meet him
in paradise. She makes herself a poison and drinks it,
but realizes that in committing suicide she has damned
herself. She begs the Virgin Mary for mercy and, as she
dies, she sees a miracle: the Virgin Mary appears, along
with Sister Angelica's son, who runs to embrace her.
|
