
Series
Who's Afraid of Opera?
1972 · 1 season · 8 episodes · Ended · PBS
Kids, Family
Three zany puppets bring to life our greatest opera treasures, as Joan Sutherland, the world’s most famous soprano, performs their highlights. The puppets make up the audience: Sir William, a wise old goat; Little Billy, his nephew; and Rudi, a rather boisterous lion. Sutherland first introduces them to the story of each opera. Then, backed by the London Symphony Orchestra and a first-rate cast, she moves onto the opera stage, complete with elaborate sets and elegant costumes. After each exquisite aria, the diva comes back to her inquisitive friends and unfolds the plot.
Episodes
Cast
- Joan SutherlandHost / Rosina / Marie / Lucia / La Perichole / Violetta / Marguerite / Gilda / Philine
- Larry BerthelsonBilly (voice)
Danny SeagrenRudi (voice)- Rod YoungSir William (voice)
- Pieter van der StolkEnrico, , Lothario, Rigoletto, Germont, Piquillo
- Monica SinclairFlora, The Marchioness of Berkenfield, The Cousin
- Ailsa GamleyAlisa, The Cousin, Annina
- Gordon WilcockBaron Douphol, Panatellas, Jarn
Spiro MalasDr. Bartolo, Sulpice- Ramon RemediosTonio, Count Almaviva
- Clifford GrantDon Basilio, Raimondo
Francis EgertonThe Viceroy, Arturo