Pagliacci (Italian pronunciation: [paʎˈʎattʃi]; literal translation, 'Clowns') [a] is an Italian opera in a prologue and two acts, with music and libretto by Ruggero Leoncavallo.

Pagliacci plot summary, character breakdowns, context and analysis, and performance video clips.

Pagliacci, verismo opera with both words and music by Ruggero Leoncavallo. Based on an actual crime, Pagliacci owes its continuing success in part to the composer’s ability to balance …

Buy an Opera Package and Save! Pair Pagliacci with The Barber of Seville (Feb 13–15), Carmen (March 27–29), and/or Fellow Travelers (July 10–12) and save up to 25% off single ticket prices.

PAGLIACCI Prologue Tonio the clown announces that what the audience is about to see is a true story and that actors have the same joys and sorrows as other people.

Nov 8, 2025 · This production of Pagliacci marks a bold new chapter in Piedmont Opera’s 49-year history—blending classical opera with site-specific performance to create an event that’s …

His production of the classic double bill Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci returns this fall, bringing the turbulent Tuscan tales to Chicago's biggest stage. In this conversation, he shares his …