The chorus and cast of La Clemenza di Tito come out for a fun introduction of the opera. Here the cast is gazing at the supertitles near the top stage that gave comedic commentary. The supertitles also translate the song lyrics and give historical references. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Autumn Schacherl plays Annio for “La Clemenza di Tito,” staged by Peck School of the Arts and Milwaukee Opera Theatre. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Jihye Yoon plays Servilia for “La Clemenza di Tito.” There are several love triangles throughout the opera, one of them including Annio (left, played by Autumn Schacherl) and Servilia. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
The UWM symphony orchestra plays in the pit in front of the stage. Jun Kim, associate professor and director of orchestral activities at the UWM, conducts the orchestra. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
This opera will feature new costumes specifically designed for the cast by Leslie Vaglica, who has done costume design for many professional companies around Milwaukee. The new costumes are provided by the Yolanda Marculescu fund, named after a former UWM voice faculty member. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Emanuel Camacho plays Tito (middle), who has the throne and is shown respect by the people. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Gabrielle Hass (left) plays Sesto and Melissa Piggott plays Vitellia for “La Clemenza di Tito,” staged by Peck School of the Arts and Milwaukee Opera Theatre. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
The pit the UWM symphony orchestra plays in is open and viewable while the cast rehearses. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
On April 5 and 6, Peck School of the Arts and Milwaukee Opera Theatre stage a production of Mozart’s penultimate opera, “La Clemenza di Tito.” Over 60 students will be helping or performing in the production, with a few alumni coming back to join the cast.
Colleen Brooks, the producer and visiting assistant professor, believes her UWM students are learning many lessons, from the business side to the artistic, by staging a classic opera production like “La Clemenza di Tito.”
The opera has two alternating casts for the lead roles (except for the role of Tito) to allow more students the opportunity to take on a starring role.
Staging this opera will help students gain crucial skills for their professional musical careers, Brooks said, including how to market and promote a production, build a sense of dramatic intention and network with people already in the industry.
