By Gaetano Donizetti


In Belding Theater, The Bushnell Center for
the Performing Arts


Friday, April 20, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, April 22, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 8:00 pm

Sung in Italian with English Translations

Act One
A hotel in the Wild West. Don Pasquale, a wealthy hotel owner in his 70’s, impatiently awaits the arrival of his friend, “Doc” Malatesta. He is angry with his nephew, Ernesto, for refusing to give up his plans to marry the widow Norina. Pasquale has decided to disinherit Ernesto, find a wife for himself - with the help of Doc Malatesta - and leave his money to his own children. Malatesta arrives and tells Pasquale that he knows the ideal wife (Bella siccome un angelo). She is supposedly “Sofronia,” his own sister, but Malatesta actually intends to have his cousin, the widow Norina, play the part of the bride.
When Ernesto arrives, Pasquale confronts him, orders him out of the house, and announces his own plans to marry (Prender moglie!). Ernesto, now penniless and despairing, loses all hope of marriage, and leaves the hotel.
Norina is alone in her boudoir, reading a tale of chivalry and love. She finds the old-fashioned story funny - her feminine powers of seduction are much greater than those in the tale (So anch’io la virtù magica). Malatesta comes to visit her and lays out his plan: she must pretend to be his sister, Sofronia, fresh out of the convent and a perfect, “sweet little thing.” It takes a little coaching, but Norina quickly learns to play the role (Pronto io son).

Act Two
Poor Ernesto prepares to leave for a far-off land (Cercherò lontana terra).
Pasquale impatiently waits for Malatesta and the prospective bride. Doc Malatesta enters with Norina, who is wearing a veil and plays the part of the demure Sofronia perfectly; Pasquale falls head over heels. A notary is brought in and a contract is drawn up in which Pasquale leaves half of his wealth to his new bride. Ernesto comes to say goodbye to his uncle and, being unaware of Malatesta’s plan, is distraught at Norina’s sudden change of heart. As soon as the contract is signed, Sofronia becomes the “bride from hell,” appointing Ernesto as her cavalier and demanding every luxury that money can buy - jewels, furniture, carriages, clothes. Pasquale is stunned (È’ rimasto la impietrato).

Act Three
In a house now full of gowns, hats, furs, and servants, Don Pasquale moans over the mountain of bills his bride has run up. Norina appears, dressed for a night out. When Pasquale objects to her going out, she slaps him and tells him to go to bed. He thinks his life over (È finita, Don Pasquale). As Norina leaves, she “accidentally” drops a note. Don Pasquale reads it: his new wife plans to meet a lover by the garden wall that very evening. Pasquale sends for Malatesta, and the two hatch a plot to catch Sofronia in her infidelity (Cheti, cheti, immantinente).

Ernesto serenades his love, Norina (Com’ è gentil), then they sing a duet (Tornami a dir che m’ami). Pasquale and Malatesta surprise the couple, but Sofronia denies the allegations against her. The time is now right for Malatesta to act. He announces that the real Norina will be coming to marry Ernesto and live in the Pasquale hotel. Sofronia says she would rather leave than put up with such an imposition. Pasquale sees a ray of hope - he agrees to the marriage of Ernesto and the unseen Norina. The hoax is then revealed - Sofronia is Norina. Don Pasquale is so relieved to be rid of his bride that he forgives all for making a fool of him, and he blesses the young lovers.