MILAN (AP) — The storied La Scala opera house will open the 2018-19 season with a new production of Verdi's "L'Attila," continuing the tradition of Italian opera, while introducing some novelty, including Woody Allen directing Puccini's "Gianni Schicchi."

General manager Alexander Pereira said Thursday that he will appear himself in "Die Tote Stadt" by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, in a speaking role that he quipped would be non-paying.

Next year's season will feature 15 operas, most Italian and more than half new productions. "L'Attila" will be the second gala premier dedicated to Verdi's more youthful compositions, following "Giovanna D'Arco" in 2015.

Allen's direction of "Gianni Schicchi" was first produced for the Los Angeles Opera, and will play alongside a new La Scala production of Antonio Salieri's "Prima La Musica Poi Le Parole."