The event that the Donizetti Theatre Foundation proposes on December 31 in the main city theater will be marked by the typical festive colors of the musical. And at the stroke of midnight, a toast in the historic halls of the same Donizetti Theatre, together with the artists of the BIT Company, who on this special occasion (at 10:00 PM) will present A Christmas Carol, adapted from the most famous novel by Charles Dickens, adapted by Melina Pellicano, with original music by Stefano Lori and Marco Caselle. On stage, a cast of over 20 members, with Fabrizio Rizzolo in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, and special effects curated by Alessandro Marrazzo, 150 costumes, and spectacular sets. Melina Pellicano, director and author of the musical’s libretto, wanted to be as faithful as possible to the novel because Dickens’ writing is already very theatrical: “Scrooge’s loneliness and his economic wealth are in contrast with the serenity of the family and the modest social situation of the other characters. The richness of the soul and the courage to face a less fortunate situation are the true wealth. It’s an old concept, but absolutely current,” she says, “There are some differences in the story and the characters, but always in respect of the original story and in the spirit of Dickens. This was intentional and is a small personal way to pay homage to the writer.” “I chose to open the show with the monologue and song of little Tim (the youngest son of Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s employee), to entrust a child with the task of explaining ‘how things really are,’ to explain to the audience the point of view of a child who looks at the world with clear eyes and without judgment. Tiny Tim indeed tells that Scrooge ‘is not able to smile and is always angry with anyone who speaks to him,’ but that in reality ‘he is just alone’ and no one should be alone at Christmas,” continues the director. Another unmissable event will be the New Year’s Concert, scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, January 1 at the Teatro Sociale (11:00 AM). The Italian Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Andrea Oddone, will guide the audience on an exciting musical journey through The Dances of Europe, reflecting various European musical traditions, from Vienna to Italy, passing through the heart of Central Europe. The concert program includes masterpieces by composers who have captured the soul of folk dances and transformed them into timeless works of art. The repertoire of Johann Strauss, “the King of the Waltz,” with his famous polkas and Viennese waltzes, will evoke the elegance and energy of the Austrian capital during the golden age of dance music. Antonín Dvořák, on the other hand, with his Slavonic dances, will immerse the audience in the warm and evocative atmospheres of Central Europe: his melodies, rich in liveliness and sentiment, reflect the pride of the popular culture of his homeland, the Czech Republic. There will also be a tribute to Italy with the music of Ottorino Respighi, the composer who rediscovered and enhanced the Italian musical heritage. His works, inspired by Renaissance and Baroque music, will be a tribute to our cultural tradition, in a perfect balance between past and modernity. Finally, the compositions of Johannes Brahms will enrich the program with their solemn and majestic tone, while maintaining a strong connection with German folk roots.
Brahms’ Hungarian dances, in particular, will be a tribute to the passion and power of Eastern European folk music, with their compelling rhythm and captivating melodies.
