Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The story of La Perichole and Piquillo, two lovers whose poverty prevents them from marrying, will be brought to life on the W.M. Turner stage as the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music and School of Theatre present Jacques Offenbach's "La Perichole" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6, through Saturday, April 8.

The operetta is one of Offenbach's most popular works. Although the German native/French citizen wrote it in 1868, he set the story in 18th century Lima, Peru, far from the French court it satirizes.

The work is most definitely a comedy, said Deborah Dalton, SFA associate professor of music and the opera's director. "The audience will be humming the catchy tunes as they leave the auditorium, and they'll enjoy the inclusion of the can-can dance."

Dalton stresses that the story also has a serious side. "The reality of the lovers' poverty as well as their love for one another definitely comes across."

Operettas differ from operas in that they contain spoken dialogue, Dalton explained. "We are using an English version to make the production more accessible to the audience. And much of the exposition is spoken by the narrator--in our case, SFA assistant professor of theatre Rick Jones."

The musical roles are filled by approximately 40 vocal students, with most of the principal roles double cast to maximize the performance opportunities for the students.

Orchestral students under the direction of Dr. Jeff Jacobsen, SFA assistant professor of music, will provide the accompaniment, and SFA School of Theatre faculty and students are designing and/or providing the sets, lights and costumes.

"The production provides a wonderful opportunity for collaboration between the two schools, utilizing faculty who are experts and students who are experienced in their particular craft," Dalton said.

"La Perichole" is a presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts' University Series.

Prior to the April 6 performance, the College of Fine Arts will host a 6:45 p.m. reception in Griffith Gallery to honor the event's corporate sponsor, Citizens 1st Bank of Nacogdoches. At 7 p.m., Dalton will give a brief, informative talk on the production.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students and children. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.