Simpson College Presents Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief

Simpson College is proud to present the Simpson Productions premiere of The Old Maid and the Thief, a comic one-act opera by Gian Carlo Menotti, in three captivating performances in the Barnum Studio Theatre at the Blank Performing Arts Center. Evening performances will be held on Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21, at 7:30 PM, with a matinee on Sunday, February 22, at 2:00 PM.

Originally commissioned for radio in 1939, The Old Maid and the Thief is a witty and satirical tale of gossip, deception, and the facades we maintain in the name of propriety. Set in a quiet American town, the opera follows the lives of Miss Todd and her housemaid Letitia as they take in a charming wanderer—only to find themselves entangled in increasingly outrageous moral compromises.

Directed by Ann Woldt, with musical direction by Dr. Damon Stevens, this production brings Menotti’s lively score and sharp humor to life in a clever recreation of that first radio play that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

“We are excited to present this as Menotti originally intended—a ‘radio opera’—complete with live sound effects and 1940s-style. Audiences will love the twisted tale of Miss Todd, her clever maid Laetitia, and the charming drifter, Bob, who turns their quiet lives into chaos ” said Ann Woldt, director of the production.

Performance Dates & Times:

• Friday, February 20 at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, February 21 at 7:30 PM
• Sunday, February 22 at 2:00 PM

Location:

Barnum Studio Theatre, Blank Performing Arts Center

Simpson College, Indianola, IA

Tickets are available at the door or by contacting the Simpson College Theatre Box Office at 515-961-1601 or bpacboxoffice@simpson.edu or online at: https://events.humanitix.com/host/simpson-productions

Join us for an evening of music, mischief, and melodrama that proves even the quietest towns can have the juiciest secrets