Highlights of Adriana Lecouvreur and Cavalleria Rusticana

Adriana Lecouvreur
Adriana, a great French actress in Paris, is loved by the older stage director, Michonnet, but she is in love with the dashing Maurizio, the Count of Saxony in disguise. In order to regain his throne he succumbs to the amorous advances of the Principessa de Bouillon even though he loves Adriana. Because of her jealousy, the Principessa sends poisoned violets to Adriana on her birthday which ultimately kills her by hemorrhaging.

Cavalleria Rusticana
Turiddu loved Lola but went off to war. When he returns home he finds her married to Alfio and so turns to Santuzza for affection. But Lola is jealous and entices Turiddu back to her. Santuzza knows and tells Alfio. Mamma Lucia, Turiddu’s mother is dismayed. Turiddu drinks too much, challenges Alfio to a fight and ends up being killed by him.