A French comedy, Triumph of Love takes its plot from an 18th-century commedia dell’arte play, infusing it with a lush score, delicious deception, and all the complexities of l'amour. The singers and musicians of the show put on two performances in late February. 

“I wasn’t familiar with Triumph of Love prior to being cast, but the musical has quickly earned a spot in my heart,” said student Tony DeLousia, a baritone, who played the role of Hermocrates. “What a fun production to be a part of!” he added. 

Students perform in "Triump of Love,"

“This production was very special for me,” said Addy Geenan, a soprano, who played the part of Léonide, “I spent almost the entire first act on stage as not just Léonide, but also as Phocion and Aspasie, Leonide’s other identities during the course of the show.” Geenan appreciated the complexity of her role, and the comedy of the show adding, “I am so grateful that I was able to build this show with my castmates.” 

Each year, SFCM Opera and Musical Theatre produces four fully staged opera and musical theatre productions with full or chamber orchestra. Performances range from dark and dramatic, to love stories, to comedy showcases. This production was directed by SFCM faculty Michael Mohammed and conducted by Michael Horsley.

This production featured comedic performances by multiple performers.

“I have wanted to do this show with SFCM students for a while. It has such a luscious score.” Mohammed said. “The story was outside any version of reality so we leaned into that for our aesthetic inspiration.” Mohammed had performers use classic clowning movements adding, “The set, costumes, and makeup, reflected a sense of exaggerated whimsy.”

A student in costume for "Triumph of Love."

One of the Musical Theatre Ensemble goals is for classical music vocalists to explore the musical theatre genre. “I hope the performers walk away with specific tools for approaching comedic roles that does not lose the truth of the character and the given circumstance,” Mohammed said. This production is another part of the Conservatory’s expanding voice curriculum which includes a multi-genre approach. “A highlight for me was getting to hear the laughter in the Concert Hall and see how the actors got to respond to it in real time,” he added. 

Performers on stage in "Triumph of Love."

DeLousia took a special liking to the musicality of this showcase, as well as the performance experience. “There was a song in this show for everyone, many of which proved to be quite the earworm,” he continued. “Our production also incorporated elements of comedia — hearing audience members rave about our costumes, make-up, set, and sound really validated all of our efforts!”

The SFCM Opera and Musical Theatre program draws exceptionally talented young singers from around the world and provides them with advanced training in vocal style, acting, stage movement, and other essentials of stagecraft. 

Learn more about Opera and Musical Theatre at SFCM.