I Pagliacci (Portland State University)

I Pagliacci (1892) is a seminal work of Italian realism. This gripping opera by Ruggero Leoncavallo (1857-1919) tells the story of a traveling troupe of actors whose lives mirror the drama they perform on stage. Canio, the leader of the troupe, becomes consumed by jealousy when he suspects his wife, Nedda, of being unfaithful. As tensions rise, personal betrayals spill into the evening’s comic performance. Forced to entertain the audience while his heart is breaking, Canio struggles to separate his role as a clown from his real emotions. The opera culminates in a shocking and tragic finale, where the boundary between theater and reality disappears completely.

This is a semi-staged, piano-vocal production that employs an all-professional cast.

Canio: Brennen Guillory (Tenor)

Nedda: Megan Belov (Soprano)

Tonio: Anton Belov (Baritone)

Silvio: Harry Baechtel (Baritone)