In the Kansas City Public Library’s version of March Madness, noted musician Sylvia Stoner presents Melodies of Madness and Melancholy on Thursday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th St.

The program features an array of colorful characters from the tormented to the trigger happy including figures that epitomize madness such as the Roman emperor Nero, Don Quixote, and Lady Macbeth. There are also songs by souls who have been driven to madness, such as Sweeney Todd and Blanche DoBois. The concert will also include the works of Weill, Verdi, Monteverdi, Ravel, Schubert, and Sondheim as performed by soprano Stoner, baritone John Frederick, and countertenor Chad Payton with pianist Ellen Bottorff.

Stoner, a singer and actor, has performed across the country in opera and theater. Her regional credits include leading roles with Kentucky Opera, the Lake George Opera, Shreveport Opera, and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Her directing credits include productions with the Civic Opera of Kansas City, the educational program of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, KU Opera, the UMKC Conservatory, and Skidmore College.