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Set in Holland during the early 20th century, "The Red Mill" is a musical comedy about star-crossed lovers who plan to elope. Pompous village officials are outwitted by a couple of clever American vaudevillians, and true love eventually triumphs all around, amid a series of unexpected revelations.
In addition to the mayor, four other Norwalk residents are performing in "The Red Mill." Baritone Bob Scrofani stars as the Governor of Zeeland; Martin Diamond sings the role of Franz the Sheriff. Contralto Linda Palmer is the haughty French Countess, while Deb Connelly sings the role of Giselle.
"The Red Mill" was one of Victor Herbert's first big successes, premiering on Broadway on Sept. 24, 1906, and running for 274 performances.
Scrofani is a Fairfield native and a Norwalk resident since 1978. He sang for many years with the Connecticut Grand Opera chorus, including the role of Antonio in "Le Nozze di Figaro" and the High Commissioner in "Madama Butterfly." He is currently with Music on the Hill in Weston and the Mendelssohn Choir in Fairfield. He studies voice with the renowned Metropolitan Opera bass John Macurdy.
Palmer has sung in the Connecticut Grand Opera Resident Chorus for many years and has performed for five years as a singer with the Schubert Club of Fairfield County.
Diamond has performed with Troupers Light Opera since 1998 and last year sang as the character Hitoshi in TLO’s production of “The Mikado.” He also performs with the Connecticut Playmakers, and he owns and operates a DJ Company.
"The Red Mill" is the Troupers’ 68th production. Started in 1946 as an informal group that put on Gilbert and Sullivan operas in private homes, Troupers Light Opera had by 1950 become so popular that it recruited members of the Norwalk Symphony for the orchestra and began building sets for the performances. Today, Troupers is a large enterprise, performing with a live orchestra, costumes, and complete stage sets. Talented performers from throughout the tri-state area audition for roles, and Troupers welcomes new members each year.
The mayor will perform at the Saturday, April 13, matinee showing, which begins at 2:30 at the Norwalk Concert Hall. There is a second performance in the evening. Tickets are available at www.TroupersLightOpera.org or by calling 800-838-3006.
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