“Falstaff,” the comedic opera by 19th-century Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, will be performed at the National Theater in downtown San José July 27 to Aug. 9, under the musical direction of Ramiro Ramírez and with set, lighting and costume design by critically acclaimed Italian artist Stefano Poda.
The opera, adapted from Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and parts of “Henry VI,” was described as “one of the greatest masterpieces of all time” by fellow composer Richard Strauss.
This is the first time “Falstaff ” has been performed in Central America, according to a joint statement from the Culture Ministry, NationalMusicCenter and National Opera Company. The cast will be made up of mostly Costa Ricans with a few international performers, including U.S. baritone Kim Josephson in the leading role of Sir John Falstaff.
Performances are scheduled Fridays, Sundays and Mondays from July 27 through Aug. 8, with a final show set for Thursday, Aug. 9. Shows are at 7 p.m. except on Sundays, when they start at 5 p.m.
Tickets range in price from ¢1,000 to ¢25,000 (about $2-48), depending on what part of the theater you want to sit in, and are available at the National Theater box office; for information, call 221-5341 or visit www.teatronacional.go.cr.
