CONTACT:  Melissa Gurholt, Public Events Manager, 920-832-6589
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	                  February 1, 1999

The Lawrence University Opera Theatre Presents Mostly Menotti: An
Evening of One- Act Operas

	APPLETON, WI -- The Lawrence University Opera Theatre will present
"Mostly Menotti: An Evening of One-Act Operas", February 18 and 19 at 8
p.m. and February 21 at 3 p.m. in Stansbury Theatre of the Music-Drama
Center.  These three comic operas promise an evening of musical and
theatrical fun.  The program includes "The Old Maid and the Thief" and
"The Telephone" by Gian Carlo Menotti and "A Hand of Bridge" by Samuel
Barber. Tickets are now on sale at the Lawrence Box Office,
920-832-6749. 
 
Following last yearıs successful staging of Coplandıs The Tender Land,
Timothy X. Troy will provide stage direction, with Bridget-Michaele
Reischl once again as musical director. According to Reischl the
production is, " . . . a delightful mix. Audiences will enjoy the jazz
influences in the Barber piece and Menottiıs playful style is easy to
listen to, as it wonderfully matches each moment of dramatic action."

"The Old Maid and the Thief" presents a comic story of how a womenıs
vanity prompts her to believe that a wayward but charming young man can
be reformed by simple grace and hospitality.  The characters fool
themselves into believing that wishes are real and that dreams are
promises.  

"The Telephone" is a modern fairytale of sorts.  When phone calls
interrupt a romantic moment between Ben and Lucy, Ben decides that there
is only one way to tell Lucy how much he loves her.  In a world of cell 
phones and internet romances, Menottiıs 1947 tale continues to carry an 
eerie resonance.  
	
"A Hand of Bridge" playfully explores the inner psychology of two
couples whose weekly bridge game hides deep secrets, quirky fantasies
and unfulfilled longings.  

Tickets, at $9 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, and $2 for students
are available at the Lawrence Box Office, 115 S. Drew St., Brokaw Hall,
Monday-Saturday, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Visa, MasterCard and American
Express are accepted. For more information call 920-832-6749.