Who's Afraid of Opera? (Season 1)

Three zany puppets bring to life our greatest opera treasures, as Joan Sutherland, the world’s most famous soprano, performs their highlights. The puppets make up the audience: Sir William, a wise old goat; Little Billy, his nephew; and Rudi, a rather boisterous lion. Sutherland first introduces them to the story of each opera. Then, backed by the London Symphony Orchestra and a first-rate cast, she moves onto the opera stage, complete with elaborate sets and elegant costumes. After each exquisite aria, the diva comes back to her inquisitive friends and unfolds the plot.

  • Poster for Rossini's The Barber of Seville

    Rossini's The Barber of Seville (Episode 1)

    Air date: 1972-04-09

    Runtime: 28 min

    Overview: As Rosina in The Barber of Seville, Joan’s the rich and elegant ward of a strict guardian. When Figaro, the noisy barber, butts into her love life, all fun breaks loose!

  • Poster for Donizetti's The Daughter of the Regiment

    Donizetti's The Daughter of the Regiment (Episode 2)

    Air date: 1972-04-16

    Runtime: 28 min

    Overview: As Marie, found as an infant on the battlefield and adopted by a whole regiment of adoring fathers, Joan falls in love with the brave Tonio.

  • Poster for Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor

    Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor (Episode 3)

    Air date: 1973-02-11

    Runtime: 28 min

    Overview: As Lucy in Lucia, betrayed by her own brother, Sutherland’s a tragic heroine indeed!

  • Poster for Offenbach's La Perichole

    Offenbach's La Perichole (Episode 4)

    Air date: 1973-02-18

    Runtime: 28 min

    Overview: As the title character in La Perichole, Joan displays her lively flair for comedy as well as her amazing vocal abilities.

  • Poster for Verdi's La Traviata

    Verdi's La Traviata (Episode 5)

    Air date: 1973-04-22

    Runtime: 28 min

    Overview: As Violetta in La Traviata, Sutherland’s a beautiful Paris courtesan in love with a penniless young man.

  • Poster for Gounod's Faust

    Gounod's Faust (Episode 6)

    Air date: 1973-04-29

    Runtime: 28 min

    Overview: As Marguerite in Faust, Sutherland loves a man who has sold his soul to the devil for youth and pleasure.

  • Poster for Verdi's Rigoletto

    Verdi's Rigoletto (Episode 7)

    Air date: 1973-12-09

    Runtime: 28 min

    Overview: In Rigoletto as Gilda, she is in love with the flirtatious and corrupt Duke of Mantua to the despair of her father, the court jester.

  • Poster for Thomas's Mignon

    Thomas's Mignon (Episode 8)

    Air date: 1973-12-16

    Runtime: 28 min

    Overview: In the comic opera Mignon, Joan portrays the exuberant Philine, whose affections are much sought after.

Who's Afraid of Opera?

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