Gian Carlo Menotti was an immigrant to the United States, and his Italian citizenship caused him to be labeled an "enemy alien" during World War II. In 1950, he wrote The Consul in response to the many stories of refugees fleeing Eastern Europe after the war. Now, nearly 70 years later, The Consul is as powerful and relevant as it was when it was written. The struggle for freedom against oppression and the search for a safe haven for those fleeing tyranny are still rampant across the world, including in our own country. Menotti insisted that The Consul have its premiere on Broadway, rather than in an opera house, so that it could be more accessible to the public at large. The show was a hit and won the Pulitzer Prize for music and a New York Drama Critics' Circle Award. The Consul will be sung in English with English supertitles.
Music and libretto by Gian Carlo Menotti
Conducted by Andrew Altenbach
Directed by Johnathon Pape
This performance has been selected as part of Boston Conservatory at Berklee's 2018–2019 Center Stage collection. Learn more about Center Stage and view all Center Stage performances.
About the Production Staff
Don Curioso, Production Manager
Harrison Pearse Burke, Assistant Production Manager
Bethany Rachel Weed, Stage Manager for The Consul
Stacey Salotto-Cristobal, Stage Manager
Andrew T. Chandler, Technical Director
Jesse Washburn, Assistant Technical Director
Audrey Kimball, Zack Box Technical Director/Mainstage Lead Technician
Megan O'Donnell, Stage Supervisor
Victoria Sweetser, Lighting Supervisor
Collin Barnum, A1/Sound Supervisor
Phil Roberson, Videographer
Alec Long, Props Manager
Rebecca Shannon Butler, Costume Shop Manager
Amanda Feeley, Assistant Costume Shop Manager
Meghan Garvey, Sam Martin, Alison Pugh, Drapers
Neil Fortin, Sticher
Emily Fargo White, Wardrobe Manager
Caroline Clancy, Hair and Makeup Assistant
Michael Shinn, Dean of Music
Patty Thom, Chair of Voice
READ: Five Facts to Know about Gian Carlo Menotti and 'The Consul'
Set around an enigmatic consulate in Eastern Europe, Gian Carlo Menotti’s three-act opera The Consul constructs a gloomy world in which a family’s desperate attempt to flee totalitarian rule is met with an indifferent bureaucracy. Here are some interesting tidbits to know about both the opera and Menotti before seeing The Consul, running March 28 through March 31 as part of Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s Center Stage collection. Click here to read more about The Consul.
