This musical promises a story of ambition, love, and survival in the world of opera.
Stiletto is a new musical set in 18th-century Venice, a city where ambition and opportunity are as plentiful as danger. In this world, Marco, who was castrated as a child to preserve his flawless singing voice, dreams of becoming a celebrated opera star. Venice, the opera capital of Europe, offers Marco a chance to achieve fame and fortune, much like the rock stars of today.
During the winter of 1730-31, Marco encounters Gioia, a confident and immensely talented young woman. Despite her musical prowess, Gioia faces insurmountable barriers due to her status as the daughter of an African slave. Recognizing their shared outsider status and love for music, Marco and Gioia fall in love. Determined to help her, Marco introduces Gioia to his powerful patron, Contessa Azzurra, in the hope of getting her on stage.
However, their dreams are shattered when a body is found dead, and Gioia is imprisoned. To save her, Marco must confront the demons of his past and navigate the corrupt forces that threaten both their futures. With music and lyrics by Matthew Wilder (Disney's Mulan), and a book by Tim Luscombe, Stiletto is a powerful tale of love, ambition, and the fight against a society that seeks to silence them.