Opera Santa Barbara (OSB) will open its 2024-25 season with Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci” Nov. 8 and 10 at the Lobero Theatre. Based on a true story, Pagliacci “Clowns” tells the tale of Canio, leader of a commedia dell’arte troupe, who murders his wife and her lover on stage during a performance.

The opera is emblematic of the style known as “verismo,” a late-nineteenth century Italian opera style in which composers sought to present on stage difficult themes from real life in an unflinchingly realistic manner.