La Fanciulla del West

Overview

Giancarlo Del Monaco’s atmospheric production brings to colorful life a 19th-century mining camp during the California Gold Rush. At the center of the action is the good-hearted bar owner Minnie, sung by Barbara Daniels, who takes a motherly interest in the miners. Plácido Domingo is Dick Johnson, also known as the bandit Ramerrez, who falls in love with Minnie. Sherrill Milnes sings Jack Rance, the sheriff who is not only determined to capture Ramerrez but also wants Minnie for himself. Bloodshed, a crooked poker game, a snowstorm, and a near lynching ensue before Minnie and her bandit-turned-lover can ride off to start a new life. Leonard Slatkin conducts one of Puccini’s most colorful scores.

Cast

Plácido Domingo

Dick Johnson o Ramerrez

Barbara Daniels

Minnie

Sherrill Milnes

Jack Rance

Anthony Laciura

Nick

N/A

Julien Robbins

Ashby

N/A

Charles Anthony

Trin

Kim Josephson

Sonora

James Courtney

Sid

Richard Vernon

Bello

Dwayne Croft

Larkens

Bernard Fitch

Harry

N/A

Leonard Slatkin

Conductor