Trusted Shops badge

The Metropolitan Opera: Falstaff

About the Event

Giuseppe Verdi's commedia lirica, Falstaff, will be performed at The Metropolitan Opera.

Falstaff is one of Verdi's few forays into comic opera. The libretto, by Arrigo Boito, is based on William Shakespeare’s 'The Merry Wives of Windsor'. The leading character, despite his inevitable buffo traits, his grasping and calculating hedonism, possesses a natural dignity and intelligence which make him deeply endearing. The plot recounts how two wealthy ladies from Windsor successfully set a trap to punish him for his ridiculous attempts to woo them. The ending, needless to say, is happy.

Verdi’s musical language is highly advanced and his orchestration outstanding. The moving finale, with its splendidly ironic fuga buffa, 'Tutto nel mondo è burla', was the aged composer’s farewell.

Practical Information

Sung in Italian with Met Titles in English, German, Italian and Spanish.

Cast / Production

Falstaff Ambrogio Maestri
Alice Ford Ailyn Pérez, Helena Dix (March 8)
Meg Page Jennifer Johnston Cano
Nannetta Golda Schultz
Mistress Quickly Marie‐Nicole Lemieux
Fenton Francesco Demuro
Ford Juan Jesús Rodríguez

Musical Direction Richard Farnes

Production Robert Carsen
Set Paul Steinberg
Costume Brigitte Reiffenstuel
Lighting Robert Carsen, Peter Van Praet
Revival director Gina Lapinski

Gift card