Don Pasquale is an opera buffa, or comic opera, in three acts by Gaetano Donizetti

Don Pasquale tells the story of an ornery old fool cured of his desire to marry a much younger woman

Get ready for Don Pasquale!

1960s Rome. Don Pasquale, a reclusive old man with a penchant for cats, runs a crumbling pensione with a chain-smoking chambermaid, a prehistorical porter, and a greasy cook for company. Worried that his wealth will be squandered, he has chosen a bride for his nephew Ernesto. Ernesto, who is in love with the young widow Norina, asserts that he won’t marry a woman of his uncle’s choice. So Pasquale determines to find himself a wife. Dr. Malatesta suggests his beautiful younger sister as Pasquale’s prospective bride; an enlivened Pasquale asks his friend to arrange a meeting at once. Pasquale tells Ernesto to move out of the pensione and announces his own marriage plans. Astonished, and with prospects of an inheritance slipping away, Ernesto sees his dreams evaporating. A further hurt: he learns that his confidant Malatesta has arranged Pasquale’s marriage. Norina laughs at a romantic story that she’s reading and confidently reflects on her ability to charm a man. Dr. Malatesta arrives and explains the plan he’s concocted on behalf of her and Ernesto: Norina will pose as Maletesta’s sister and marry Pasquale in a mock ceremony. Norina is keen to play the role of “Sofronia” if it will result in her and Ernesto being together.

Given a mid-20th century Technicolour makeover by the acclaimed creative duo of costume/set designer André Barbe and stage director/choreographer Renaud Doucet, Don Pasquale’s world bustles with a ramshackle vibrancy. The aging bachelor’s scheme to marry and disinherit his rebellious nephew Ernesto is countered by a hilarious bait-and-switch caper hatched by Dr. Malatesta and Ernesto’s love, Norina, going undercover as Pasquale’s new and decidedly not-as-advertised bride. With an all-star cast and music calibrated for virtuosity, Donizetti’s comic masterpiece of inter-generational jealousy and reconciliation, young love, and madcap machinations bursts with vivid colour and endlessly engaging melodies.

ARRIVE EARLY
We suggest arriving by 7:00pm for the performance.

There are multiple events taking place downtown on Saturday night, including nearby events at Rogers Centre, the Playhouse, and the Orpheum. Please try to arrive as early as possible.

PARKING
Please consider taking transit or taxis, or starting your evening with an early dinner downtown to avoid traffic and parking congestion.

Parking is limited at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and at Library Square. Please be sure to plan accordingly.

IMPORTANT TIME INFORMATION
6:00pm – Box Office opens
6:15pm – Queen Elizabeth Theatre doors open
6:30pm – Free pre-show talk begins in Mezzanine
7:30pm – Performance begins
Approx. 8:55pm – Intermission
Approx. 9:20pm – Performance resumes

PERFORMANCE LENGTH
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (including 25 minute intermission)

VENUE INFORMATION
Queen Elizabeth Theatre address: 630 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5N6. More information on the venue.

THEATRE TIPS
The theatre only accepts payment by debit or credit card. More about the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

VANEATS
With the brand new VanEats mobile app, pre-order your food & beverages for pickup at Vancouver Civic Theatres venues and concession stands in parks & beaches across the city! Place your order before the show so you don’t miss a moment and beat the concession lines. Download VanEats now on Apple & Google app stores OR place your order via web browser.

ADVISORY
This performance contains sexually suggestive content.

PRE SHOW TALK
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Mezzanine seating, Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Join Countertenor Nicholas Burns for a discussion about bel canto sound and a demonstration of operatic projection. Vancouver Opera Director of Engagement and Civic Practice, Ashley Daniel Foot and Yulanda M. Faris Artist, Sawyer Craig join Nicholas to share insights into the creation of Don Pasquale.

HOUSE PROGRAMME
A paper programme, with artist biographies, a synopsis, and analysis of the opera will be available at the theatre. If you’d like to have more in-depth information about Don Pasquale, explore our digital programme, full of multimedia links and more.

A digital programme, with artist biographies, a synopsis, analysis of the opera, donor information, and multimedia links is available here.

NO PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEO
Photography and recordings (video and audio) are prohibited during the performance.

Photos will be allowed during curtain call, pre and post-show. Please share your opera experience on social media and tag @VancouverOpera on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.