Falstaff

Composed by Giuseppe Verdi 
Libretto by Arrigo Boito 

Overview

In Giuseppe Verdi’s final opera, inspired by Shakespeare’s Henry IV and The Merry Wives of Windsor, the charismatic (but bankrupt) Sir John Falstaff conspires to seduce two wealthy married women. 

 

After sending identical love letters, Falstaff’s flimsy plan is foiled; Alice Ford and Meg Page hatch a scheme of their own to expose him.

 

Portland Opera’s unique take on this classic finds our hero traipsing about a 1980s Country Club, brought to life with vivid projections and colorful costumes.

 

Merriment and mischief are at the heart of the tale as this beloved buffoon endures mishaps and deceptions, ultimately discovering his humility.

 

With bright and lively melodies and unparalleled polyphonic arrangements, this exuberant masterpiece is widely considered one of the best comedic operas ever written.  

Read full synopsis
Length
2 hours and 23 minutes with one intermission
Language
Italian with English captions

Cast & crew

Accessibility at Portland Opera
Learn more
Plan your next opera adventure
Read FAQs
Terms & Conditions for ticketholders
Learn more

Enhance your experience.

About the Composer & Librettist

At the pinnacles of their respective careers, Guiseppe Verdi and Arrigo Boito collaborated for a final time on Falstaff. Learn about the two powerhouses behind this monumental opera.

Learn more

Production Information

Falstaff is sung in Italian with English captions above the stage. 

Dates, programming, artists, and details are subject to change.

Accessibility

Captions: For patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing, each performance includes live English captions projected above the stage.

Audio Description: For patrons who are blind or have low-vision, the Sunday matinee performance will include a live audio description of the action and dialogue onstage.

Learn more about accessibility at Keller Auditorium here. If you require wheelchair accessible and/or companion seating, or have any other hearing or vision needs, please call us to purchase tickets so that we can ensure your visit to the theatre is an excellent one.

When We Gather

When We Gather

Our commitment to cultural equity continues to inform our audience policies and experiences. When we gather, it must be with respect and with care for the entire community.  

Let us be clear: there is no place for bigotry, discrimination, hate, harassment, or intolerance at Portland Opera.  

Behaviors that are disrespectful, discriminatory, or not aligned with our policies for attendance (including health and safety and firearm policies) will not be tolerated, and audience members may be asked to leave the premises and/or be prohibited from returning in the future. 

Thank you for joining us in creating a safe and welcoming Portland Opera space for everyone.  

Community sponsors

https://www.arts.gov/
https://www.millerfound.org/
https://www.oregonartscommission.org/
https://racc.org/
https://www.etfillewines.com/

Portland Opera is grateful for the ongoing philanthropic support from our individual patrons and generous donors, James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, Marie Lamfrom Charitable Trust, Oregon Community Foundation, Regional Arts and Culture Council, including support from the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the Arts Education & Access Fund.

Portland Opera Association Inc receives support from the Oregon Arts Commission, a state agency funded by the State of Oregon and the National Endowment for the Arts.