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Music by Gioachino Rossini • Italian libretto by Angelo Anelli • English adaptation Libretto by David Scott Marley • Recitatives by Jonathan Khuner, after Rossini
“David Scott Marley's wonderful English-language adaptation of Rossini's "Italian Girl in Algiers," manages the neat double trick of being both faithful to the original and hugely entertaining to boot -- which is to say, faithful to the original.” – San Francisco Chronicle
The King of Mars has a fascination with all things human and a desire for a new Earthling queen. His search is made more enticing with the capture of Mosquito, who was captured along with the Professor on an expedition from Earth to explore the red planet. The Riot Grrrl, coming to rescue her beloved Mosquito, crash-lands and is also captured. Is she the human bride the King craves, or will her disruptive Riot ways spell the end to his rule over the Martians?
HOT’s General Director Andrew Morgan marks his directorial debut with the company, partnering with Principal Guest Conductor Elizabeth Askren and a cast of up-and-coming singers alongside beloved returning artists.
Run Time: 2 hours 45 minutes with one intermission
Performed in English with English supertitles
Music by Herb Mahelona • Libretto by Victoria Kneubuhl • Directed by Patrick Makuakāne
KAMALEHUA: THE SHELTERING TREE tells the true story of Timoteo Haʻalilio, Royal Secretary and lifelong friend to King Kamehameha III. Set in the mid-nineteenth century, the opera reveals the little-known history of the Hawaiian Kingdom and its early struggles to maintain independence. The focus is Haʻalilio's 1842-45 mission to the United States, Great Britain, Belgium, and France to secure treaties recognizing Hawaiʻi as a sovereign nation with the goal of protecting the kingdom from annexation by foreigners. Haʻalilio was accompanied by the Reverend William Richards, a trusted advisor and friend to both Haʻalilio and King Kamehameha III.
The opera illustrates the sophistication and establishment of the Hawaiian government at the time, as well as the vigilance of Hawaiian leaders in dealing with the pressures and politics of the western world. While the story focuses on the unique culture, politics, and history of Hawaiʻi, its themes are universal.
Heading up the cast, in the lead role of Haʻalilio, will be internationally renowned Hawaiian baritone Quinn Kelsey who started his career in opera as a member of the HOT chorus in 1991. Kelsey is now in-demand across the U.S. and Europe, notable for his dynamic interpretations of Verdi roles.
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