Opera stars reunite on stage in Winnipeg

The poor choices of a Shakespearean character set to the music of composer Giuseppe Verdi has brought home some of Winnipeg's top opera stars.

Manitoba Opera's newest masterwork Falstaff takes the stage Saturday and will feature the direction of Michael Cavanagh and the soprano singing of Monica Huisman.

"I love this town because the opera company is fantastic," Cavanagh said.

Cavanagh has directed stage productions at opera companies all over North America and Europe.

"The more I travel and the different places I visit, the more I appreciate my hometown," he said.

"It's always been the way it should be, a community that embraces its arts and culture the way, so wholeheartedly, that Winnipeggers do. Winnipeggers have giant hearts and it's expressed so beautifully on stages here."

Falstaff was created by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, the last of his 28 operas. It was based on Shakespeare's recurring character Sir John Falstaff and his poorly executed plan to woo wealthy women.

Huisman portrays Alicia, one of the women being subjected to Falstaff's efforts.

"I think she just loves life," she said.

She's also travelled the world showcasing her voice on the stages of the Vancouver Opera, Edmonton Opera and the Netherlands Opera. However, she said there's nothing quite like reuniting with her old friend, Cavanagh, on the Winnipeg stage.

Falstaff will be showcased on Saturday, Nov. 22 and Nov. 25. For more information visit the Manitoba Opera website.