John Hoomes’ ‘Rigoletto Noir’ Takes the Stage at TPAC

Nashville, TN – Nashville Opera returns to TPAC’s Jackson Hall April 7 and 9 for its long-anticipated, 1940s-inspired production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” which was cancelled twice due to the pandemic.

After four traditional stagings by the company, Artistic Director John Hoomes updates this “Rigoletto” to the dark, menacing world of film noir. Says Hoomes, “As ‘Rigoletto’’s primary theme of revenge is a driving factor in so many film noirs, it felt like a natural way to transport the opera into a more contemporary setting, while keeping the emotional impact intact.” Verdi’s lush score will remain untouched by the update.

Ukrainian-born Metropolitan Opera baritone Aleksey Bogdanov leads the cast of “Rigoletto Noir” in the title role, soprano Sarah Coburn appears as Gilda, tenor Daniel Montenegro plays the Duke, and bass Kevin Thompson sings the role of Sparafucile. All four principals are making their Nashville Opera debuts in this production.

“Rigoletto Noir” will contain an original film-noir short created by Nashville-based Penumbra Entertainment, winner of the Nashville Opera Noir Filmfest held in 2020. This unique collaboration with Nashville Film Festival invited area teams to create short films that could play during the prelude of “Rigoletto.” “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Nashville Opera,” said Jason Padgitt, Executive Director of the Nashville Film Festival. “By introducing a challenge that blends film noir and opera into something new, we hope to inspire filmmakers to explore the dark alleys of their creativity.” “Rigoletto’s Lament,” the winning short film by Penumbra’s Chris Hollo and Mark Mosrie, will be integrated into the performance of “Rigoletto Noir.”

To further immerse the audience in a film experience, the scenic elements of “Rigoletto Noir” will include six video screens for original projections by lighting and video designer Barry Steele. Costuming, inspired by the fashion of classic Hitchcock films, is by Nashville designer June Kingsbury.

Tickets are priced from $30 to $105 and are available at nashvilleopera.org/rigoletto. Nashville Opera’s 2022 season is sponsored by Ann and Frank Bumstead.

About Nashville Opera
Nashville Opera, Tennessee’s largest professional opera company, creates artistic experiences that elevate
our world. Among the most successful regional companies in the country, Nashville Opera has presented
three world premiere operas since its inception in 1981. Mainstage performances are presented at the
Tennessee Performing Arts Center and the Noah Liff Opera Center, playing to over 10,000 people each
year. In May 2022, Nashville Opera will take part in the inaugural season of Belmont University’s Fisher
Center for the Performing Arts by presenting Wagner’s Das Rheingold in the new hall. Nashville Opera’s
extensive education tour annually reaches nearly 25,000 students throughout Middle Tennessee. Visit
nashvilleopera.org for more information.

About COVID Protocols
Nashville Opera will be observing TPAC’s Health & Safety measures for “Rigoletto” performances. TPAC
has removed its Covid Patron Entry Checkpoint. Patrons are encouraged to wear masks, but masks are
not required. Please note: These guidelines may change as Metro and TPAC policies regarding COVID
develop.