6/24/2007

Allison Gumahad

The filmmaker takes on L.A. and the opera.

Famed director Woody Allen is set to step outside his comfort zone and direct an opera in Los Angeles. The New York-based filmmaker will make his operatic directorial debut with the opening event of the Los Angeles Opera's 2008-09 season.  
  
"I have no idea what I am doing," the famously humble director said. "But incompetence has never prevented me from plunging in with enthusiasm."  
  
Allen will direct "Gianni Schicchi", one opera of a trio of one-acts, and writer Puccini's only comedy. The other two operas of Puccini's "Il Trittico" will be directed by William Friedkin, who directed "The Exorcist".  
  
"To have Woody Allen direct 'Gianni Schicchi' is a match made in heaven," said Friedkin.  
  
Information from Jam! Showbiz was used in this article.