When the Spanish nobleman, Belmonte, arrives in Turkey to rescue his love, Konstanze, her maid, Blonde, and his servant, Pedrillo—all of whom have been captured by pirates—silliness ensues. The great Pasha Selim attempts to woo Konstanze and add her to his harem; Pedrillo attempts to pass off Belmonte as a famous architect to help him gain access to the palace; and the overseer, Osmin, gets into a battle of wits...and witlessness...with Pedrillo. As Belmonte and Pedrillo hatch a scheme to free them all, the music of Mozart drives the widely comic moments forward with humor, grace and beauty.

Abduction is a broad comic opera that has special resonance for today's audiences. As we confront differences between Easterners and Westerners, audiences will be amused by the Pasha's puzzlement with the ways of a Spanish lady and her English-bred servant girl, and touched by his unexpected generosity.

A new Opera Omaha Production.