Gianni Schicchi

Opera

Writers: Giovacchino Forzano Giacomo Puccini

Overview

Show Information

Category
Opera
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1918
Genres
Comedy, Farce
Settings
Simple/No Set
Time & Place
1299, the palazzo of buoso donati, florence
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
Medium
Dancing
None
Ideal for
College/University, Large Cast, Professional Opera
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes adult, young adult, mature adult, child characters

Synopsis

In this hysterical farce, Gianni Schicchi opens on the Donati family mourning the passing of their patriarch, Buoso. Their tears, however, are not real until they discover that Buoso has left his immense fortune to a monastery. Frantic and greedy, they call upon Gianni Schicchi, a self-made lower class man, to help them re-write the will. In a series of hilarious hijinks, secret deals, and one ridiculous plan, the family succeeds in tricking the doctor and the notary into thinking that Schicchi is Buoso. However, when the time comes, Schicchi leaves every great part of the fortune to himself! Schicchi reminds the audience that his fraud has not only made him rich and humbled the family, but brought together two young lovers; his daughter, Lauretta, and Rinuccio.

Lead Characters


Gianni Schicchi guide sections