ALLEN TO MAKE OPERA HELMING DEBUT WITH PUCCINI IN LA (AP, VAR, THR)

By Nancy Vialatte

Woody Allen is set to make his operatic helming debut in LA next year. Placido Domingo, general director of the Los Angeles Opera, said the resolute New Yorker would direct the opening event of the LA Opera's 2008-09 season.

The opera is Puccini�s "Gianni Schicchi" which is part of the trio of one act operas entitled "Il Trittico." �Schicchi� is set in medieval Florence and is Puccini�s only comedy.

William Friedken will direct the other two operas, "Il Tabarro" and "Suor Angelica."

In a statement Thursday, Allen said, "I have no idea what I am doing but incompetence has never prevented me from plunging in with enthusiasm."

Domingo said it took him four years to convince Allen to take the gig. "I've seduced many a film director into directing opera, starting with John Schlesinger and 'The Tales of Hoffmann' at London's Covent Garden. I will admit that my pursuit of Woody takes the prize of the longest pursuit."

"Schicchi" is the only part of "Il Trittico" to have been staged by L.A. Opera. Friedkin directed the production when it was staged in 2002 and presented on a bill with Bartok's "Duke Bluebeard's Castle." Set in medieval Florence, the opera depicts a farcical family squabble, as the survivors of a wealthy gentleman persuade Gianni Schicchi to pose as the deceased and rewrite his will in their favor. (VAR)

Brit baritone Thomas Allen returns as Schicchi; soprano Laura Taulescu and tenor Samir Pirgu will make their company debuts as young lovers who hope that the rich man's fortune will lead to their marriage. (VAR)

The Hollywood Reporter notes that the production will be designed by Santo Loquasto, who has worked as a production designer on more than 20 of Allen�s films. Music director James Conlon will conduct.

The Puccini production will open Sept. 6, 2008, and be followed the next day by LA Opera's US premiere of Howard Shore's "The Fly," directed by David Cronenberg.