Virginia Opera: Pagliacci

Virginia Opera presents Ruggero Leoncavallo’s *Pagliacci*, a fast-moving drama about a traveling troupe of comedians whose private passions begin to resemble the story they are performing. When jealousy, secrecy, and a concealed love affair surface, the troupe’s cheerful stage world gives way to suspicion, heartbreak, and revenge as the boundary between performance and reality collapses.

The opera will be performed in Italian with English captions. The November 22 performance includes audio description, and the event features opportunities for audiences to engage with the artists before and after the performance.

When: November 21–22, 2026

Showtimes: Saturday, November 21, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, November 22, at 2 p.m.

Venue: Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus

Composer and librettist: Ruggero Leoncavallo

Tickets: $115, $75, or $45; prices include fees. Half-price tickets are available for youth through Grade 12.

Student tickets: A limited number of free tickets for Mason students will be available two Tuesdays before the event.

Language: Sung in Italian with English captions.

Accessibility: The November 22 performance will be audio described.

Ages: The opera contains adult themes and is recommended for ages 13 and older.

Before the performance: A discussion begins one hour before each performance.

After the November 22 performance: A post-performance discussion with the artists will be held.

Performance program: The program will be available during the week of the event, with a digital version provided online.