This summer’s production is our new adaptation of George Frideric Handel’s Rinaldo! We’ve removed the story from its original setting during the Crusades, and we’ve combined the arias—presented in the original Italian—with our English-adapted recitative to craft our own queer romance woven into a tale of three complex women making their own way in the world.
Goffredo’s army is close to defeating rival monarch, Argante, thanks to its secret weapon—a fierce girl warrior named Rinaldo. But when Argante’s sorceress accomplice learns that Rinaldo carries a torch for her childhood friend, Almirena, she hatches a plot to destroy Rinaldo by stealing away the one she loves most. Performed in English & Italian.
CAST: Angela Oldham Barca (Goffredo), Milena Gravante-Gunnells (Rinaldo), McKenna Troy (Almirena), Craig Judicki (Eustazio), Carina Gravante-Gunnells (Armida), Sarah Fischer (Argante), Shaina O’Malley (Herald, Woman, Magician)
Directed and adapted by Melinda Beasi
Musical direction by Lemuel Gurtowsky
Lighting design by Syl Simmons
August 1-3, 7:00 PM
Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School
South Hadley, MA
Video clips from RINALDO! More to come!