Opera Club: ‘La Vie Parisienne’

All are welcome to watch Jacques Offenbach’s “La Vie Parisienne” on Tuesday, April 15, at 1:30 p.m. in the Learning Center of Clubhouse 3. Knowledgeable club member Bob Kastanek will introduce this opera bouffe depicting the legendary glamour, romance, fantasy and sparkle of Parisian life in its visual and hummable glory.

Act 1 introduces the audience to two young men, Gardefeu and Bobinet, who each arrive at the Paris rail station expecting to meet the same attractive woman, Metella. However, she now disappoints both as she arrives on the arm of a third man. They vow to seek a better class of mistress, targeting a beautiful, enigmatic, Swedish Baroness who is arriving with her husband, the Baron.

In Act 2, the bachelors compete against each other, with Gardefeu hosting a lavish dinner party with his artistic friends impersonating aristocrats, and Bobinet staging a fancy competitive event to impress their targets.

In Act 3, the Baron sets off for Paris nightlife. In Act 4, chaos reaches its full height at a masked ball with comedic mishaps.

In Act 5, disguises and deceptions are revealed. The Baron and Baroness forgive everyone.

The production is in French with English subtitles. People are encouraged to wear masks indoors, if desired. No dues or fees are collected. For more information contact Margaret Gillon at 562370-3844 or Margaretgi@yahoo.com.

—Sylvan von Burg