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 Based on true events
which occurred in the life of the composer, Giacomo Puccini, SCANDAL AT TORRE DEL LAGO is a sensational love story which
made international headlines. The story involves Puccini, a handsome, self-centered, famous womanizer, his wife, Elvira,
a shrew, whose jealous paranoia made his life a living hell, but is told through the eyes of Doria Manfredi, a young
village girl who worked as a maid in the composer's villa at Torre Del Lago, a small fishing village in Tuscany.
During her six years at the villa, Doria became entwined in the fabric of Puccini's world. She grew to be devoted to
the composer, taking care of his every need and nurturing his insecurities and genius. By 1908, 21 year old Doria, had
developed into a strikingly attractive woman and had fallen in love with Puccini. The composer enjoyed all her attention,
but only returned Doria's affection as far as it suited his needs.
 Suddenly, Elvira saw Doria in a new light; she was no longer a pathetic servant girl, she must be her husband's
new mistress! Doria was abruptly dismissed. Consumed by her fury, Elvira spread vile rumors about Doria throughout
the village, publicly taunting her, following her down the street, calling her vulgar names and cursing her. Reports
of this made international news.
Doria looked to Puccini for help, but he was a weak man, concerned only with his image and his music. After six months
of Elvira's neurotic behavior, Puccini fled to Rome. Because Doria felt abandoned by the man she loved and because of
Elvira's paranoia, Doria was pushed past the limit of rational behavior, she took poison and died four days later. Her
family had an autopsy performed, which declared Doria a virgin. Although Puccini's reputation was exonerated, Doria's
tragic death had such a profound impact on the composer, that several of his operatic heroines mirror her suicide.
This is a character driven piece full of history, empathy and deep emotional passion. It is as rich in texture
as the music Puccini created.
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