OPERA – Giulio Cesare in Egitto ( George Frideric Handel)
Full Opera Production with the CT Lyric Opera
May 6, 2022 – 7:30 PM – Trinity-On-Main, New Britain
May 15, 2022 – 6:00 PM – Garde Arts Center, New London
May 22, 2022 – 6:00 PM – Hartford
The action takes place in Egypt, the day after Julius Caesar’s victory over Pompey. While savoring his victory, Cesare receives a visit from Cornelia, who begs him to spare her husband Pompey’s life. Caesar is about to grant her wish when Tolomeo, king of Egypt (and Cleopatra’s brother), has Pompey’s head delivered to Caesar. Everyone is shocked and appalled. Sesto, Cornelia’s son, is obsessed with killing Tolomeo and avenging his father’s death after the latter brutally separates him from his mother. Cleopatra decides to use her charms to win Cesare’s support in her efforts to become queen and rule Egypt alone. At first, she is defeated by her brother’s army, but is rescued by Cesare and falls into his arms. After a series of plot twists, Sesto and Cornelia pledge their loyalty to Caesar and Cleopatra, who, in turn, sing of their love.
CAST
Cesare – Madison Marie McIntosh
Cesare – Rebecca Batista de Almeida
Cleopatra – Kelly Whitesell
Cornelia – Julie Rumbold
Sesto – Rachel Abrams
Tolomeo – Samuel Bowen
Achilla – Steven Fasano
Curio – Steven Fasano
Nireno – Rongjun Li
STAGE DIRECTOR – ALAN MANN
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR – ADRIAN SYLVEEN