Although pompous Falstaff is more serious than his fellow characters, all the fizzy stage antics are in response to his self-delusion. “I don’t normally get to play comedic characters,” Quinn says. It doesn’t take long for that swagger to get the jolly knight into riotous trouble. “He still thinks he can charm the ladies, and you have to give him credit for having a huge amount of confidence.” “John Falstaff is at that age where life is beginning to pass him by,” Quinn explains. The final opera of Verdi’s storied career is a comedic masterpiece propelled by complex wit, outsized swagger, and vibrant music. “ behaves like a totally different animal,” says Quinn. If you think you know Verdi, think again. Quinn also answers the million-dollar question: what would the celebrated Verdi baritone ask the great composer if given a chance? Host Jane Trembley speaks with Hawai’i native Quinn Kelsey about embodying the larger-than-life titular character and learns why comedy is more challenging to play than tragedy. All will be revealed when Falstaff, Giuseppe Verdi’s classic farce, arrives on the Santa Fe Opera stage. Who’ll serve the infamous jolly knight his just desserts? The list of candidates is long, and their scheme is hilarious.

Falstaff opera music