DESIRE UNFULFILLED

Opera Orlando takes audiences On Site for Werther, based on Goethe’s masterpiece novel of the same name. General director and Grammy award-winning baritone Gabriel Preisser sings the title role in this moving tale of a young man overwhelmed by his emotions, with mezzo-soprano Chelsea Laggan making her Company debut as Charlotte, the object of Werther’s obsession. With music direction by Nathan Cicero and stage direction by artistic director Grant Preisser, audiences will be immersed in the historic locale of the Sydonie Mansion. Get lost in this ravishing and heart-rending story in one of the most picturesque homes in Central Florida.

Valet and pre- and post-show receptions with appetizers, wine, and dessert included for all ticket holders.

SYNOPSIS

1912 | Mount Dora, FL

ACT I | Outside at Bailiff’s House

Bailiff, recently widowed, is rehearsing a Christmas carol with his children on a warm summer evening. His friend Johann arrives as Charlotte, his eldest daughter, is preparing for a ball. Her fiancé Albert is away, and she is to be escorted by Werther. Werther arrives, and they leave for the ball. Albert unexpectedly returns from his trip. He is unsure of Charlotte's intentions and disappointed not to find her at home. He leaves after promising to return in the morning. Werther and Charlotte return home very late, and Werther is completely smitten by Charlotte. He begins to declare his love for her, but he is interrupted by the announcement of Albert's return. Charlotte tells Werther she promised her dying mother she would marry Albert, leaving him in despair.

ACT II | In the Gardens

It is three months later, and Charlotte and Albert are now married. They are on their way to church, followed by the disconsolate Werther. Both Albert and Sophie try to cheer him up, and then finding himself alone with Charlotte, he speaks to her of their first meeting. Charlotte begs Werther to leave her, though she indicates that she would be willing to receive him again on Christmas Day. Distraught, Werther contemplates suicide.

ACT III | The Bailiff’s Parlor

Charlotte is home on Christmas Eve, rereading the letters that she has received from Werther. She wonders how he is and how she had the strength to send him away. Sophie comes in and tries to cheer up her older sister, though Charlotte is not to be consoled. Werther arrives, and while he reads to her some poetry of Ossian, he realizes that she does indeed return his love. They embrace, but she quickly bids him farewell. He leaves, but not before taking Albert’s pistol. Albert returns home to find his wife distraught. Charlotte realizes that Werther has taken the pistol. She has a terrible premonition, and she hurries to find Werther.

ACT IV | At the Lake

Charlotte finds Werther at the edge of the lake outside her father’s home. However, she has arrived too late to stop him from shooting himself. As he dies, she consoles him by declaring her love. He asks for her forgiveness, as he dies in her arms.