Who's Afraid of Opera?
Three zany puppets bring to life our greatest opera treasures, as Joan Sutherland, the world’s most famous soprano, performs their highlights. The puppets make up the audience: Sir William, a wise old goat; Little Billy, his nephew; and Rudi, a rather boisterous lion. Sutherland first introduces them to the story of each opera. Then, backed by the London Symphony Orchestra and a first-rate cast, she moves onto the opera stage, complete with elaborate sets and elegant costumes. After each exquisite aria, the diva comes back to her inquisitive friends and unfolds the plot.
Cast: Joan Sutherland, Larry Berthelson, Danny Seagren
Season 1
8 episodes
- 1. Rossini's The Barber of SevilleAs Rosina in The Barber of Seville, Joan’s the rich and elegant ward of a strict guardian. When Figaro, the noisy barber, butts into her love life, all fun breaks loose!TV-GCC28minApr 9, 1972
- 2. Donizetti's The Daughter of the RegimentAs Marie, found as an infant on the battlefield and adopted by a whole regiment of adoring fathers, Joan falls in love with the brave Tonio.TV-GCC28minApr 16, 1972
- 3. Donizetti's Lucia di LammermoorAs Lucy in Lucia, betrayed by her own brother, Sutherland’s a tragic heroine indeed!TV-GCC28minFeb 11, 1973
- 4. Offenbach's La PericholeAs the title character in La Perichole, Joan displays her lively flair for comedy as well as her amazing vocal abilities.TV-GCC28minFeb 18, 1973
- 5. Verdi's La TraviataAs Violetta in La Traviata, Sutherland’s a beautiful Paris courtesan in love with a penniless young man.TV-GCC28minApr 22, 1973
- 6. Gounod's FaustAs Marguerite in Faust, Sutherland loves a man who has sold his soul to the devil for youth and pleasure.TV-GCC28minApr 29, 1973
- 7. Verdi's RigolettoIn Rigoletto as Gilda, she is in love with the flirtatious and corrupt Duke of Mantua to the despair of her father, the court jester.TV-GCC28minDec 9, 1973
- 8. Thomas's MignonIn the comic opera Mignon, Joan portrays the exuberant Philine, whose affections are much sought after.TV-GCC28minDec 16, 1973
Viewers also watched
Who's Afraid of Opera?
Three zany puppets bring to life our greatest opera treasures, as Joan Sutherland, the world’s most famous soprano, performs their highlights. The puppets make up the audience: Sir William, a wise old goat; Little Billy, his nephew; and Rudi, a rather boisterous lion. Sutherland first introduces them to the story of each opera. Then, backed by the London Symphony Orchestra and a first-rate cast, she moves onto the opera stage, complete with elaborate sets and elegant costumes. After each exquisite aria, the diva comes back to her inquisitive friends and unfolds the plot.
Creators and cast
- Created by
- Nathan Kroll, Larry Berthelson
- Studio
- PBS
Maturity rating
TV-GCheck the rating before watching with younger viewers.
Audio languages
English, French, German, Italian
