Richard Rittelman in West Coast premiere of Menotti rarity

Richard Alexandre Rittelmann

UPDATE: THIS OPERA HAS BEEN POSTPONED

Richard Rittelmann, who recently partook in our calendar shoot in France, will be appearing across the globe in the West Coast Premiere of Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Boy Who Grew Too Fast. Proceeds from  the opera will used to bring the anti-bullying message to the Marin County Schools. Performances with the Golden Gate Opera are on October 9 and 11 at the Marin Center’s Marin Showcase Theatre.

The story is about a nine-year-old boy who has just moved to town and is mocked by his classmates because of his immense size and his name, Poponel Skosvodomonit.  Miss Hope, his new teacher, tells the boy about a Dr. Schrink, who has invented a shrinking machine. The mother takes the boy to the doctor, who says he will be able to help Poponel reach a normal size but at a price – the boy must conform to everyone else’s actions. When Mad Dog, a terrorist, comes to the school and demands a hostage, only Poponel volunteers. His act makes him grow until he overwhelms the terrorist. 

We couldn't get the ticket link to work, but Golden Gate Opera can be reached at (415) 339-9546 or Info@goldengateopera.org.