Concert Series: Opera Scenes

The Old Maid and the Thief
Music and Lyrics by Gian Carlo Menotti

Date: 13 Nov 2025
Time: 7.30 pm
Venue: Lee Foundation Theatre - NAFA
Language: English
Duration: 60 minutes, without intermission

Set in a small American town, The Old Maid and the Thief tells the story of the respectable Miss Todd, who lives with her maid, Laetitia. Their monotonous existence is disrupted when a handsome vagrant named Bob appears at their door. Persuaded by Laetitia, Miss Todd decides to offer him shelter. Soon after, rumours spread through the town that an escaped convict was on the loose. Both women are torn between fear that Bob might be the fugitive and fascination with his charm.Originally written in 1939 for radio, Menotti’s opera combines social satire, romance, and mystery into a captivating one-hour performance that explores self-deception, suppressed longing, and the human yearning for transformation.

Cast

Miss Todd - Jasmine Grace Towndrow
Laetitia - Lin Renyue
Bob - Yew En Yan Ian
Miss Pinkerton - Shan Siyi
Police / Understudy – Chen Zibi

Creative Team

Stage Director: Andy Pang
Music Director, Pianist & Vocal Coach: Nicholas Loh
Stage Managers: Li Zhihan & Yuan Yi
Curator: Dr Jessica Chen Hsing An, Head of Vocal Studies, School of Music