The Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance continues its 2024-25 theatre production season with The Anonymous Lover, a romantic opera about a young widow who receives declarations of love from a secret admirer.
Presented in Hoerner Theatre, the show will run select dates from February 18-25.
The Anonymous Lover was composed by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, with libretto by Desfontaines-Lavallée. It is the only surviving complete opera by Bologne, an 18th-century French composer, conductor, and violinist who was the first Black classical artist to gain widespread acclaim in European music.
The two-act opera explores the dilemma faced by Léontine (Amelia Ostamendy ’27 and Haley Rayfield ’25, alternating) who eventually discovers that her secret passionate admirer is actually her close friend Valcour (Jillian LeBel ’25), who has had to hide their true feelings. It is directed by Olivia Gacka, with musical direction by Christopher Zemliauskas.
Following the 2:00 performance on February 22, there will be a post-show discussion moderated by Production Dramaturg Robyn Jensen-Tode.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available for purchase online at tickets.ithaca.edu. The Center for Theatre and Dance Box Office in Dillingham Center is open for in-person ticket sales Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (except between 11 a.m. and noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays), and 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Fridays; or by phone at 607-274-3224.
Performance Dates
Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 8 p.m. (Preview)
Thursday, Feb. 20, at 8 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 21, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 24, at 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m.
The Center for Theatre and Dance proudly accommodates all patrons. Individuals are asked to contact boxoffice@ithaca.edu to request accommodations as soon as possible.
About Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
A nationally recognized professional training program, the Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance attracts students from across the globe. Throughout the year, undergraduate students present all aspects of music, theatre, and dance in a professional model.
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Ithaca College Theatre Presents 'The Anonymous Lover'
By Matthew Scott '25, February 18, 2025
Romantic opera written by pioneering Black French composer.
Young widow Léontine receives love letters from a secret admirer.
Young widow Léontine receives love letters from a secret admirer.