When I say 'clowns,' what do you think of? Big red noses? Comically over-sized shoes? Balloon animals and small cars with enough trunk space to make Mary Poppins' duffel bag look like a coin purse?
Ruggero Leoncavallo's world-famous opera "Pagliacci" paints a very different image of clowns that is in stark contrast to the birthday party entertainers to which we are accustomed. The San Diego Opera launched its 2014 season with its own production of this classic comedia on Jan. 25, starring Frank Porretta as the ill-fated clown Canio.
