The three main characters in Puccini’s “Tosca” are as flawed as the rest of us. “They either say something they regret or want someone they shouldn’t,” says Marc Astafan, who directs OperaDelaware’s show at The Grand May 2, 7 and 8. “Intelligence does not play a role in this story.” Puccini’s work is “straight from the heart, the gut or elsewhere.” Renowned singer Kara Shay Thomson makes her Delaware debut in the title role, while audience favorite Grant Youngblood plays Baron Scarpia. Since its premiere in 1900, “Tosca” has remained among the top 10 of standard operatic repertoire, in part because of its deliciously sinister plot. “That’s more than a hundred years on the charts,” says Astafan. For more, visit operade.org, or call 658-8063.
Page 2: Rockin’ the Riverfront
Rockin’ the Riverfront
Legendary local guitarist David Bromberg will host Bromberg’s Big Noise in the Neighborhood music festival at Justison Landing Park May 15. The gig, which benefits The Light Up The Queen Foundation, will be broadcast live on Philadelphia-based radio station WXPN, and feature the genres Bromberg is known for: folk, rock, bluegrass and blues. He’ll welcome musical guests John Hiatt, the Sam Bush Band, Railroad Earth, Jorma Kaukonen and the Angel Band. For more, visit lightupthequeen.org
Page 3: Delaware Idol
Delaware Idol
It ain’t “American Idol,” but it’s close. A major musical shakedown takes place during “Smyrna’s Got Voice II” at the Smyrna Opera House May 8. Singers who survived the scrutiny of merciless judges in the first round will compete. The audience will choose the winner. Local celeb Mario Rocco will be a more humane judge than acid-tongued Simon Cowell. Other celebrity judges are expected, but no loopy divas. Reservations are recommended. For more, call 653-4236, or visit smyrnaoperahouse.org.
Page 4: True or Falsettoes
True or Falsettos
“Falsettos,” presented by City Theater Company May 7-22, is a musical about a married guy who contemplates the meaning of life by consulting his gay lover, his wife, his therapist, his son, and his lesbian neighbors. Wacky, but fun. “This piece doesn’t necessarily take a political or moral stance,” says director Michael Gray. “It does challenge our notions of family and forces us to look beyond the accepted cultural conventions.” For more, call 220-8285, or visit city-theater.org.
