Building on the success of Cavalleria rusticana, Pietro Mascagni’s commedia lirica L’amico Fritz was given seven encores and thirty-five curtain calls at its premiere in Rome in 1891. Considered by critics to be one of Mascagni’s best operas, the story is that of a love triangle involving the wealthy Fritz Kobus and Suzel, daughter of one of his tenants, who together sing the famous ‘Cherry Duet’ in Act II. Returning to the Teatro del Maggio Musicale in Florence for the first time since 1941, this production was acclaimed for its superb cast and astonishingly effective modern setting.

‘This really is a superb band. His [Riccardo Frizza’s] reading was lovingly phrased, particularly in an Act 3 prelude that was full of searching longing – and which inspired an instant and generous ovation from the audience …The Maggio strings gave us a deep pile carpet of string sound, and tuning throughout was impeccable. The chorus, prepared by Lorenzo Fratini, sang from off stage with wonderful blend and added an appropriately warm halo to the sound.’ – Operatraveller.com

‘…Many applauses for the whole cast, on which stands the excellent tenor Charles Castronovo (Fritz), also the partner Salome Jicia (Suzel) shows great abilities and Teresa Iervolino (Beppe the Gypsy) and Massimo Cavalletti (Davide the rabbi) also offer a good performance… the sure hand of the director Rosetta Cucchi, who from a slender plot libretto draws a show that works from beginning to end, however surprising and questionable the transposition may seem in New York almost a hundred years later… Deserved applause also for the conductor, Riccardo Frizza, and for the Orchestra of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Theatre.’ – FIRENZEPOST.IT (WEB2)

Cast:
- Suzel: Salome Jicia (soprano)
- Fritz Kobus: Charles Castronovo (tenor)
- Beppe: Teresa Iervolino (alto)
- David: Massimo Cavalletti (baritone)
- Federico: Dave Monaco (tenor)
- Hanezò: Francesco Samuele Venuti (baritone)
- Caterina: Caterina Meldolesi (soprano)

Director: Rosetta Cucchi
Set and costume designer: Gary McCann
Light designer: Daniele Naldi
Assistant director: Davide Gasparro
Assistant set designer: Eleonora Peronetti
Assistant costume designer: Gabriella Ingram