New York's Metropolitan Opera mounted this interpretation of Giuseppe Verdi's 1893 commedia lirica Falstaff in 1992, which drew broad critical acclaim for Paul Plishka's lead portrayal of the titular Shakespearean figure. The composer adapted it from two of Shakespeare's plays - The Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry IV; it checked in as his final opera, and only one of two comedies that he authored. This production features Bruno Pola, Frank Lopardo and Piero de Palma in the supporting cast, with production and set design by Franco Zeffirelli and James Levine conducting the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi