Don Pasquale
Synopsis
This John Dexter production, designed by Desmond Heeley, was a parting gift to the great American soprano Beverly Sills, who bid farewell to the Met as Norina, the smart young widow at the center of Donizetti’s comedy. The sensational Alfredo Kraus sings her beloved Ernesto. Håkan Hagegård, in his Met debut role and season, is Dr. Malatesta, the man who helps the young couple trick the crusty old bachelor of the title (Gabriel Bacquier at his comical best) into a fake marriage. This being a Donizetti comedy, it all turns out perfectly well at the end—and getting there is pure operatic fun.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
January 17, 1979
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Kirk Browning, John Dexter
- Screenplay & Story
- Giovanni Ruffini, Gaetano Donizetti, Angelo Anelli
- Original Score
- Gaetano Donizetti
- Original Title
- Don Pasquale
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- Italian
- Runtime
- 2h 13m
- Production Studios
- The Metropolitan Opera
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Kirk Browning, John Dexter
Giovanni Ruffini, Gaetano Donizetti, Angelo Anelli
Gaetano Donizetti
Michael Bronson, Christopher Sarson
Department Leadership Roster
Kirk Browning
Director
Giovanni Ruffini
Writer
John Dexter
Director
Gaetano Donizetti
Original Music Composer
Gaetano Donizetti
Writer
Christopher Sarson
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Don Pasquale.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Don Pasquale.
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Entries I created
The Met
Metropolitan Opera, excluding Ring Cycles, listed separately.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Don Pasquale
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Don Pasquale about?
This John Dexter production, designed by Desmond Heeley, was a parting gift to the great American soprano Beverly Sills, who bid farewell to the Met as Norina, the smart young widow at the center of Donizetti’s comedy. The sensational Alfredo Kraus sings her beloved Ernesto. Håkan Hagegård, in his Met debut role and season, is Dr. Malatesta, the man who helps the young couple trick the crusty old bachelor of the title (Gabriel Bacquier at his comical best) into a fake marriage. This being a Donizetti comedy, it all turns out perfectly well at the end—and getting there is pure operatic fun.
Who directed Don Pasquale?
Don Pasquale was directed by Kirk Browning, John Dexter.
Who stars in Don Pasquale?
The principal cast of Don Pasquale includes Gabriel Bacquier, Beverly Sills, Alfredo Kraus, Håkan Hagegård, Nico Castel.
When was Don Pasquale released and how long is it?
Don Pasquale was released in 1979 with a total runtime of 2h 13m.
Who composed the musical score for Don Pasquale?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Don Pasquale was composed by Gaetano Donizetti.