Opera’s Original Heartbreaker Takes the Stage

September 22, 2025 (Milwaukee, WI) — The Florentine Opera continues its 2025/26 “Villains” season with Mozart’s Don Giovanni, one of opera’s most notorious tales of seduction, power, and consequences. Performances take place Friday, October 24 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, October 26 at 2:30 PM at Uihlein Hall in the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

A Legendary Villain

The opera follows Don Giovanni, a man who lives by charm and conquest—until his trail of broken hearts catches up with him. What begins as a swashbuckling romp filled with duels, hoop skirts, and ladies wringing their hands ends with justice served, as the women he has wronged finally watch him face his fate.

A Sumptuous Production

Florentine Opera’s staging promises a big, glorious, historic look: sweeping sets, opulent costumes, and the thrill of Mozart’s music filling Uihlein Hall. “Don Giovanni is witty, dangerous, and endlessly entertaining and it’s exactly the kind of story we love to bring to Milwaukee,” said Maggey Oplinger, General Director and CEO. “Plus, it’s just plain fun to watch a serial womanizer get dragged to hell while everyone else gets a happy ending.”

Voices & Vision

The production stars Richard Ollarsaba in the title role. Hailed for his “commanding presence and warm, rich sound,” the American bass-baritone has performed with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Minnesota Opera, The Metropolitan Opera, and major symphonies across the country. Well known for his portrayal of Mozart’s infamous Don Giovanni, Ollarsaba has sung the role at major houses around the world—now bringing his celebrated interpretation to Milwaukee in his Florentine Opera debut.

Soprano Brittany Renee returns to Florentine Opera following her 2022 Al Fresco recital debut. A GRAMMY Award winner praised for her “luminous tones” (Opera News), she has appeared at The Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and Washington National Opera. Recent highlights include Musetta in La Bohème, Bess in Porgy & Bess, and Sister Rose in Dead Man Walking. She makes her role debut as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni.

Music Director Francesco Milioto leads the Florentine Opera’s Don Giovanni. Praised for his collaborative style and dynamic interpretations, Milioto also serves as Music Director of OPERA San Antonio and Holy City Arts & Lyric Opera in Charleston. He is a member of the music staff at Lyric Opera of Chicago and joins the DePaul University School of Music faculty this fall as Music Director of the DePaul Symphony Orchestra. Recent engagements include productions with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Kansas City Opera, and Ballet San Antonio.

Stage Director Rebecca Herman is the Artistic Producer of Local Opera Local Artists (LOLA) in Austin, TX, where she develops fresh takes on classics and collaborates on new works with living composers. Recent highlights include directing Carmen at Austin Opera, The Barber of Seville at Madison Opera, and serving as Associate Director for The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, seen at Calgary and Utah Opera and heading to Washington National Opera in 2025.

Performance Information

Friday, October 24, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 2:30 PM
Uihlein Hall | Marcus Performing Arts Center

Tickets are available at florentineopera.org or by calling (414) 291-5700.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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