Playbill

Johnson Little Theatre

at

Alabama A&M University

Morrison Building

Councill Blvd, Huntsville, AL 35811

April 16-17 | 7:00 pm

The Old Maid and the Thief is a witty, fast-paced one-act opera by Gian Carlo Menotti that has remained a favorite since its premiere in 1939. Originally commissioned by NBC, it holds the distinction of being one of the first operas written specifically for radio, designed to be experienced through sound alone. Its clever use of dialogue, music, and sound effects made it an instant success and a landmark in American operatic history.

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Set in a small-town community, The Old Maid and the Thief follows Miss Todd, a proper and lonely woman, and her overly curious friend Miss Pinkerton. When a mysterious young man named Bob appears, the two women’s fascination quickly spirals into scandal, deception, and unexpected consequences. As gossip spreads and morality is tested, the opera humorously explores themes of respectability, temptation, and the thin line between right and wrong.

In this special presentation, Opera Huntsville returns the work to its roots with a radio show-style format, complete with live foley sound effects and supertitles—inviting audiences to experience the charm, humor, and intrigue of this classic opera just as audiences might have in 1939.