
Productions
Opera Wilmington’s performance home is the MainStage Theater at UNCW’s Cultural Arts Building, where we present our opera productions each summer.

July 17, 19, 24 and 26
Puccini’s Suor Angelica
Mascagni’s Cavelleria Rusticana
UNCW Cultural Arts Building
5270 Randall Dr
Wilmington, NC 28403
Opera Wilmington presents a double bill of passion, sacrifice, and unforgettable music with the staging of these two Italian one-acts.
The pairing, according to Opera Wilmington Artistic Director Nancy King, “offers a compelling narrative arc, putting women’s voices at the center of both works.”
Puccini was inspired by the success of Mascagni’s one-act Cavalleria rusticana to write three one-acts himself. That set, which he called Il Trittico (The Triptich), consists of Suor Angelica, Il Tabaro and Gianni Schicci. Suor Angelica, however, is often staged on its own.
Set in a convent, the opera tells of the personal heartbreak and uplifting religious redemption of a young sister, Suor Angelica.
Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana is a tale of love, jealousy and revenge, set in Sicily. The opera’s Intermezzo is often performed as an orchestral piece.
“Emotional storytelling, powerful music, and themes of family, redemption, betrayal, and grace resonate across all audiences,” King says.
Performances are July 17 (evening), July 19 (matinée), July 24 (evening) and July 26 (matinée). Tickets are now available for all four performances, either online (a fee applies) or through the Kenan Box Office by phone or in person. Box office hours are Tuesday-Thursday, noon – 4:00 p.m. and Friday, 12:10 – 4:00 p.m.
Click here to order tickets online.
To order by phone, call 910 962-3500. If you call outside of business hours or if a staff member does not answer, leave a message with your name and phone number, and someone will return your call.
Please note that all seats in UNCW’s Mainstage Theatre are barrier-free. Seats at either side of the theater are adaptive for wheelchairs and walkers and individuals with handicaps are given priority for these seats.
MainStage Theatre at University of North Carolina Wilmington
Opera Wilmington’s performance home is the MainStage Theater at UNCW’s Cultural Arts Building, where we present our opera productions each summer. This 295-seat MainStage Theater includes a full orchestra pit, balcony seating, and superior sound and light capabilities. The venue’s intimate size and obstruction-free design enable you to fully experience the humor or heartbreak of every opera we produce.
Parking is available in two lots adjacent to the facility. Here is a link to the campus map. The Cultural Arts building, labeled “CA”, is in section 4A of the map.
Refreshments are available for purchase before curtain time and during
intermission.
Cast
Auditions are currently underway for lead roles.
Creative Team
Music Director & Conductor — DANIEL BRIER
Stage Director — NANCY KING
Set Design — MAX LYDY
Costume Design — MARK SORENSEN
Chorusmaster — AARON PEISNER
Choreography — NANCY PODRASKY CARSON
