Television: New Staging of Verdi’s Masterpiece Otello Debuts On Great Performances at the Met Sunday, February 21 at 12 p.m. on PBS

Conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Directed by Bartlett Sher, Aleksandrs Antonenko, One Of The World’s Leading Interpreters of Otello, Sings His First Met Performances Of The Role, Opposite Sonya Yoncheva as Desdemona and Željko Lučić as the Villainous Iago

Verdi’s late masterpiece based on Shakespeare’s tragic drama of jealousy and deceit, Otello, airs on THIRTEEN’S Great Performances at the Met Sunday, February 21 at 12 p.m. on PBS. (Check local listings.) (In New York, THIRTEEN will air the opera at 12:30 p.m.)

Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher‘s acclaimed new production is led by dynamic conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin with Aleksandrs Antonenko in his first Met performance as the tormented Moor of Venice, with Sonya Yoncheva in her role debut as his innocent wife, Desdemona. Bass-baritone Eric Owens hosts the broadcast.

Aleksandrs Antonenko in the title role Željko Lučić as Iago in Verdi’s “Otello”. Photographed by Ken Howard/ Metropolitan Opera

Also featuring Željko Lučić as Otello’s sinister rival, Iago, Dimitri Pittas as Cassio, and Günther Groissböck as Lodovico, this staging also marks the Met debut of set designer Es Devlin, whose previous designs include the 2014 revival of Machinal on Broadway and numerous opera productions for Covent Garden, La Scala, and other leading companies.

Otello was originally seen live in movie theaters on October 17, 2015 as part of the groundbreaking The Met: Live in HD series, which transmits live performances to more than 2,000 movie theaters and performing arts centers in over 70 countries around the world. The Live in HD series has reached a record-breaking 18 million viewers since its inception in 2006.

Sonya Yoncheva as Desdemona and Aleksandrs Antonenko in the title role of Verdi’s “Otello”. Photographed by Ken Howard/ Metropolitan Opera

Often cited as Italian opera’s greatest tragedy, Otello is a miraculous union of music and drama, a masterpiece as profound philosophically as it is thrilling theatrically. Shakespeare’s tale of an outsider, a great hero who can’t control his jealousy, was carefully molded by the librettist Arrigo Boito into a taut and powerful opera text. Otello almost wasn’t written: following the success of Aida and his setting of the Requiem mass in the early 1870s, Verdi considered himself retired, and it took Boito and publisher Giulio Ricordi several years to persuade him to take on a major new work.

ACT I

Cyprus, late 19th century. During a violent storm, the people of Cyprus await the return of their governor and general of the Venetian fleet, the Moor Otello. He has been fighting the Muslim Turks and guides his victorious navy to safe harbor. In his absence, the young Venetian Roderigo has arrived in Cyprus and fallen in love with Otello’s new wife, Desdemona. Otello’s ensign Iago, who secretly hates the governor for promoting the officer Cassio over him, promises Roderigo to help win her. While the citizens celebrate their governor’s return, Iago launches his plan to ruin Otello. Knowing that Cassio gets drunk easily, Iago proposes a toast. Cassio declines to drink, but abandons his scruples when Iago salutes Desdemona, who is a favorite of the people. Iago then goads Roderigo into provoking a fight with Cassio, who is now fully drunk. Montano, the former governor, tries to separate the two, and Cassio attacks him as well. Otello appears to restore order, furious about his soldiers’ behavior. When he realizes that Desdemona has also been disturbed by the commotion, he takes away Cassio’s recent promotion and dismisses everyone. Otello and Desdemona reaffirm their love.

Günther Groissböck as Lodovico in Verdi’s Otello. Photo by Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera.

ACT II

Iago advises Cassio to present his case to Desdemona, arguing that her influence on Otello will secure his rehabilitation. Alone, Iago reveals his bleak, nihilistic view of humankind. He makes dismissive remarks about Desdemona’s fidelity to Otello, whose jealousy is easily aroused. Otello’s suspicious are raised when Desdemona appears and appeals to him on Cassio’s behalf. Otello evasively complains of a headache, and Desdemona offers him a handkerchief, which he tosses to the ground. Emilia, Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s maidservant, retrieves it, and Iago seizes the handkerchief from her. Left alone with Otello, Iago fans the flames of the governor’s suspicions by inventing a story of how Cassio had spoken of Desdemona in his sleep, and how he saw her handkerchief in Cassio’s hand. Seething with jealousy, Otello is now convinced that his wife is unfaithful. The two men join in an oath to punish Cassio and Desdemona.

Send A Message Of Love With Valentine’s Day Baskets Full Of Sweets From Hershey

Hershey Has Festive Treats to Surprise Your Kids with a Delicious New Valentine’s Day Tradition

The Hershey Company Logo (PRNewsFoto/The Hershey Company)

There are many different kinds of love to celebrate on Valentine’s Day – from classic love stories to that special bond between parent and child. This year, The Hershey Company has new and classic treats to help share the love with your littlest Valentines. Whether you start a fun-filled, new tradition with Valentine’s Day baskets for the kids or share a treat with a seasonal message with friends, cupid is sure to sprinkle your darlings with love.

SOMETHING SWEET FOR YOUR LITTLE SWEETIES

Everyone is familiar with the traditional Easter Basket, but why limit the fun? Try a new twist and start the tradition of creating Valentine’s Day baskets for your loved ones. It’s a sweet way for moms and dads to send a message of love to their other Valentines– their kids! Surprise them by filling a basket with a mix of new and classic treats, such as:

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Kit Kat® & Reese’s Assortment Heart Box

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Hearts filled with Caramel

Jolly Rancher Bites

Reese’s Peanut Butter 5-oz. Heart

Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolates Heart Box

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures 7-oz. Heart Box.

HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate, KIT KAT(R) & REESE’S Assortment Heart Box (PRNewsFoto/The Hershey Company)

Create a Valentine’s Day basket the whole family can enjoy with Hershey’s Valentine’s Day Heart Boxes for each member of the family plus fun things to do during a night in together, from coloring books to a family-friendly movie and a takeout menu from your favorite restaurant. A creative basket is sure to delight the family and you’ll enjoy the sweet memories together. Share your creations and find inspiration with #HSYMessageOfLove on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

LOVE AT FIRST BITE

REESE’S Peanut Butter 5 o.z. Heart (PRNewsFoto/The Hershey Company)

What better way to spread the love of the season than with candy that says just how much you care? Send a sweet message during Valentine’s Day friendship exchanges with new Reese’s Conversation Cups featuring classic sayings such as “U R Sweet” and “BFF.” Add something sweet to the party with Jolly Rancher and Twizzlers Bites or Jolly Rancher Heart-Shaped Lollipops. Continue to share the sweetness and gift something festive such as new Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures Heart Cane or Hershey’s Candy Coated Milk Chocolate Pieces Heart Cane.

HERSHEY’S KISSES Conversation Candies (PRNewsFoto/The Hershey Company)

VALENTINE’S DAY IS FOR GIVING KISSES

Of course, it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without kisses…Hershey’s Kisses Chocolates! Shower your family with messages of love using new Hershey’s Kisses Conversation Candies. Exclusive to Target retailers, this unique twist on the classic features seasonal sayings on the foils such as “XOXO” and “BE MINE.” Boost the fun and hide the candies around the house so your kids will find them throughout the day and know that you are always thinking of them.