ITALY: Days of Whine and Roses

The synopsis of a real-life opera, with just a touch of Rigoletto

First performance: Feb. 12,1978 THE CAST

Giovanni Amati, bass, wealthy grand duke of Rome's motion picture emporiums, age 72.

Anna Amati, mezzo-soprano, his wife, a former actress, age 42.

Giovanna Amati, soprano, their rebellious, nubile daughter, age 18.

Daniel Nieto, tenor, a tall, dark and handsome French kidnaper, age 31.

Maurizio Massaria, baritone, owner of a tobacco shop, another kidnaper.

Ferdinando Imposimato, baritone, a magistrate.

Chorus of Journalists, Villains, Friends

Place: Rome

Time: Winter Twilight

ACT I

Giovanna is sitting in a car outside her father's villa in the Via dei Villini. She is eating a pizza. Suddenly a van appears and three masked men jump out,...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!