FINAL TWO PERFORMANCES of the the 2016 PICNIC OPERETTA!
Reservations via Brown Paper Tickets
See the links below or call 1.800.838.3006
Saturday, September 17, 2pm
Frogtown Farm, 946 Minnehaha Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55104
Sunday, September 18, 2pm
Skidmore Park Community Garden, 1085 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55106
Republican candidates converge on a small agrarian town in Middle America. Real Estate tycoon Donald Giovanni and his campaign staff have left a trail of broken hearts and broken promises in their attempt to woo voters. Now a strange supernatural force has been ignited to bring him down. It’s a mix of Mozart and ’80s pop! Tasty, garden fresh bites will be served throughout the show to celebrate harvest and campaign fever.
This one-of-a-kind show is directed by Kym Longhi, with a new script by music director Jerrod Wendland. The classic Italian comedic opera meets a jukebox of ’80s hits and modern day political drama. Along with music by Mozart and Italian libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, the cast sinks their teeth into the songs of Bon Jovi, AC/DC, a-Ha, Bruce Hornsby and Tears for Fears.
Fun for all ages, this mix of theater, food, and music runs approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
- First time to the Picnic Operetta? Helpful tips to prepare for your visit!
- Click here for detailed information about access, parking, and directions, to each site!
- All shows will be performed RAIN or SHINE! (All sites will have an indoor or alternate rain option.)
Cast of Characters
The Candidates
Donald Giovanni – Michael Liebhauser
Carly Davidson – Naomi Karstad
Ted Snuz – Jim Ahrens*
Other Interlopers
Corey Lewandowski, Donald’s campaign manager – Nick Miller
Blitz Wolfer, a new anchor – Will Schmitt
Donna Elvira – Carolyn Cavadini
Paris Hilton – Lizz Windnagel*, Joni Griffith (September 17 and 18)
Masetto, her dog – Isaac Bont
The Statue – Isaac Bont
Citizens of Cornlandia
Tommy – Ricky Morisseau
Gina – Laura Torgeson
Ensemble of Citizens, Journalists and Future Voters: Isaac Bont, Asher Edes, Ayden Her, Macey Hines, Nicole Kissambou, Jacob Miller, Ricky Morisseau, Akiko Ostlund, Jesse Pollock-Foote, Will Schmidt, Laura Torgeson, Manny Vasquez, Lizz Windnagel and Colin Woolson
Musicians
Violins – Ellen Hacker and Ginna Watson
Cello – Courtney Van Cleef
Keyboards – Jerrod Wendland
Summary of Scenes, Songs and Music
Overture: Ronald Reagan summons the Candidates to descend on Cornlandia
Scene 1: Campaign Manager Corey Lewandowski faces the press, Donald and Carly duel for the honor of their private sector experience
Aria and Trio: Notte e giorno faticar
“Eye of the Tiger”
Recit: Ma qual mai s’offre
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World”
Scene 2: At the Cornlandia Fair, Donald dodges the public as he thwarts the demands of a former lover. Donna Elvira has a plan to heal the wounds of our nation’s youth.
Aria: Ah chi mi dice mai
“Money Talks”
“Teach Your Children Well” Aria: Madamina
Scene 3: Candidates prepare for the debate. Blitz Wolfer moderates the debate at the Cornlandia Cornvention Center. Donald escapes in a frenzy of “straight talk”.
Aria: Dalla sua pace
Aria: Non mi dir
“Take on Me”
Chorus: Trema, Trema
Scene 4: At the diner, Tommy and Gina have food for thought, Elvira recruits them to her “cause”.
“That’s Just the Way It Is”
Scene 5: Donald and Corey hatch a plan to woo voters, Paris breaks ground on a new project.
Chorus: Giovinette che fate all
Duet: Là ci darem la mano
Aria: Ah fuggi il traditor
Quartet: Non ti fidar
“Chariots of Fire”
Scene 6: Donald invites the Statue for dinner, Paris makes up with Masetto.
Recit: Di rider finirai
Aria: Batti, Batti
Scene 7: Donald’s party is full of unexpected “guests”…
Finale Non piu andrai
“Rock Me Amadeus”
“Living on a Prayer”
“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.”
Please support these wonderful businesses that have given to the Picnic Operetta!
