Ariadne Auf Naxos

Richard Strauss

The new Collierian production centers around “The Richest Man in Vermont” who, for a dinner party, rents out the most spectacular event space in the region - of course, the BARN OPERA House - for a dinner party.

He has commissioned a new opera seria from one of the most famous up-and-coming composers to be premiered at the dinner party. His wife, however, hates the opera, and much prefers a broadway review for the evening’s entertainment.

The first act sees both groups, equally as disdainful toward the other, arguing about which performance would happen first. There are petty insults, and witty barbs, but then the assistant for the “Richest Man in Vermont” announces that rather than two individual shows, they would combine the shows to create one show, all to be complete by 10pm.

With only half an hour to organize, and with many competing interests, sparks fly and hijinks ensue.