UA Opera Theater presents its fall production, featuring "La Périchole," an
operetta by Jacques Offenbach, to open its 2008-2009 season. The English
version is by Maurice Valency, and it is performed by permission of Boosey &
Hawkes, Inc., publisher.

Like most operettas, "La Périchole" has colorful characters and delightful
music. Our production, performed in English, takes place in mid-19th century
Peru. The storybook setting features two impoverished street singers,
Périchole and Paquillo, who cannot afford a wedding service, let alone their
next meal. The Viceroy, Don Andrés, during an incognito tour of Lima, falls
for Périchole and offers her a position at court, which she accepts, leaving a
remorseful letter for Paquillo. Etiquette does not allow unmarried women to live
within the palace, so a husband has to be found for Périchole. By chance, Don
Andrés' men choose Paquillo, getting him too drunk to recognize the bride.
When he discovers what has happened, he denounces Périchole and is imprisoned.
The two finally escape, happily reconciled, and Don Andrés forgives them.

The production features outstanding graduate singers in the major roles and
includes local favorite, Joseph McGrath, in the role of the old prisoner. The
Arizona Symphony, under the direction of Charles Bontrager, will provide the
orchestral music.

As a special feature, the UA School of Dance will present a circus scene in Act
One, and a beautiful ballet in Act Two.

This promises to be a hilarious and entertaining evening!