Saturday afternoon, September 21st at NOON

ToscaTo celebrate our 17th opera season we’re going to be showing the fabulous 2011 Covent Garden production of Puccini’s Tosca. This intense melodrama includes political intrigue, corruption, sexual intimidation and exploitation — all set in Rome during the Napoleonic era. It is the story of the love between the famous opera singer, Floria Tosca, and the painter and political activist, Mario Cavaradossi. While searching for an escaped prisoner, Baron Scarpia, the sadistic Chief of Police, upon entering the church can’t take his eyes off the elegant Tosca, who is the lover of Cavaradossi. Scarpia devises a sinister plan to claim Tosca for himself while, at the same time, sending Cavaradossi to the gallows.

Tosca is a very powerful opera and a great one for beginners to appreciate. Puccini’s lush music adds to the intense drama unfolding on stage, making it a heart-wrenching thriller. This Covent Garden production brings together three of today’s opera superstars: Angela Gheorghiu, Jonas Kaufmann and Bryn Terfel, whose menacing Scarpia steals the show. It is a production not to be missed! Tosca is listed as #8 on Opera America’s 20 most-performed operas in North America.

After the opera. We’ll show a video clip of Maria Callas singing the famous aria “Vissi D’arte” as no one else can. For those of you wishing to stay, we’ll have an open discussion about this production of Tosca — your feelings and opinions are most welcome.


Running time: 120 minutes, with two intermissions
Read / download the synopsis: Tosca
Read / download the English libretto: Tosca — libretto


Newcomers to opera — These DVD presentations by the Pescadero Opera Society are a great way to learn about opera. The atmosphere is always friendly and informal — never stuffy. An introduction to the opera is given before the show, letting you know what you are about to see and hear, and any opera trivia available. Programs are provided that include a synopsis of the opera. The DVD includes English subtitles, and there’s always room for questions and discussion.

The opera is held in our fabulous Event Hall (lovingly referred to as “The Barn”). It will be shown on our wonderful giant-sized Gracie Anderson Memorial Movie Screen (donated by her son, Rodney), in six-channel digital surround-sound (donated by Jason Skinner and family, and several yard sales). Sit in our comfy theater seats (donated by Coastal Repertory Theatre), all set on our wonderful carpeting from the Ritz Carlton ballroom (donated by Kevin Palmer of Floors to Go, Premier Termite & the Long Branch Saloon/Event Center). Munch on popcorn from our fantastic popcorn machine (donated by Chris and Suneva from Aratas Pumpkin Farm). Keep warm and cozy with our 60,000 BTU heater and enjoy the show with our fabulous new projector (both made possible by your generous donations).

Socializing, barbecue and pot luck are held between 12:00-1:00 p.m. We will provide the main dish, large salad, drinks and snacks. Please bring a dish that you want to share for the pot luck. The opera starts at 1:00 p.m. with a brief introduction by Phyllis Neumann.