Doctor Miracle

The mayoral family of 1850’s Padua is rudely awoken by a noisy advertising campaign outside their house, shouting the talents of a Doctor Miracle, setting the stage for the one act opera to explore themes of love, deception, and the lengths one will go for romance. Captain Silvio, deeply in love with Lauretta, the Mayor’s daughter, hatches a plan to win her hand despite the Mayor’s disapproval. The mayoral family each adorn period accurate garments that reflect their personalities and the arcs they experience. The Mayor is costumed in bold reds, mustard, and black to assert his fiery temper and status. His wife, Véronique, is dressed in colorful springtime hues, symbolizing her envious nature and vibrant demeanor. Lauretta’s soft palette of ivories, salmon, and other pinks highlights her innocence and romantic spirit. Silvio adopts multiple disguises causing mayhem in his quest to overcome the obstacles set by Lauretta’s father—first as the audacious servant Pasquin, who wears warm, eclectic, rough-edged attire to present himself as a cunning ruffian; then as Doctor Miracle, a peacock-like charlatan who dons an exaggerated smoking jacket, bolero hat, and cartoonish mustache. Finally, as his true self, Captain Silvio wears his decorated soldier’s uniform reflecting his sincerity and honor.

Concept Statement