Posts with the label operas
Showing posts with label operas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label operas. Show all posts
Friday 23 March 2018
Tosca (Welsh National Opera Tour), Mayflower Theatre | Review
Tosca (Welsh National Opera Tour)
Mayflower Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 22nd March 2018 by Victoria Hayward
★★★★
Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre is a well presented 90 year old theatre with excellent acoustics and architectural surroundings. This provided the perfect setting for Puccini’s Tosca. After its first performance in Rome 118 years ago, Puccini’s Tosca is brought to life by the phenomenal Welsh National Opera (WNO), bringing a diverse audience along with it.
Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre is a well presented 90 year old theatre with excellent acoustics and architectural surroundings. This provided the perfect setting for Puccini’s Tosca. After its first performance in Rome 118 years ago, Puccini’s Tosca is brought to life by the phenomenal Welsh National Opera (WNO), bringing a diverse audience along with it.
Tosca is divided into three acts with two intervals. The curtain opened and conveyed the dimly lit church of Saint Andrea Della Valle. This is where we meet the first of our two lead gentlemen: Mario Cavaradossi played by the truly wonderful tenor Hector Sandoval; who is more than qualified after singing the title role of Don Carlos twice in Moscow. Hector’s Mario is a talented passionate lover, embroiled in a love so deep with his beau Floria Tosca.
Floria is played by our very own Hampshire leading lady Claire Rutter. Claire plays the role in a bouncy, vibrant and refreshing way and able to switch from lover to murderer easily and with conviction.
To Mario’s Tenor, Baron Scarpia’s baritone matched unequivocally. Mark S Doss’ portrayal of the venomous villain owned the production. With his masculinity taking over the stage every time he took his place, he delivered a strong yet vulnerable character.
To Mario’s Tenor, Baron Scarpia’s baritone matched unequivocally. Mark S Doss’ portrayal of the venomous villain owned the production. With his masculinity taking over the stage every time he took his place, he delivered a strong yet vulnerable character.
The magnificent orchestra during this production were expertly conducted by Timothy Burke who led them through the stunning and complex score. It was beautifully rehearsed which was clear from the impeccable timing.
One criticism would be that during the first act the orchestra out-volumed the singers on stage, although, this seemed to have been corrected by Act 2.
We must show gratitude to the scenery and stage design produced by Cardiff Theatrical Services. The glorious sets throughout really took the audience on a journey seen through the characters eyes.
If you, like me, have never been to the opera, you should not feel intimidated. The whole production was surtitled (not subtitled, as I have learnt) so you are able to see where the story is leading. The screens are above the stage and are placed discreetly so you are not drawn away from the performance.
Tosca is a great introduction to opera. It has an incredible score, an excellent cast and a flawless story. Filled with love, murder and tragedy it’s a whirlwind production sure to keep you on the edge of your seats. The audience were gripped from the very beginning.
I will leave you with this quote:
‘With a thousand kisses I shall seal your eyes,
and call you by a thousand names of love.
photo credit: Richard Hubert Smith
Monday 26 February 2018
Madama Butterfly, New Theatre Oxford | Review
Madama Butterfly (UK Tour)
New Theatre Oxford
Reviewed on Friday 23rd February 2018 by Donna Meredith
★★★★★
Being new to Opera, I arrived at the New Theatre Oxford keen to experience Ellen Kent’s production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.
The story of young Japanese girl, Cio-Cio-San, who sacrifices her Japanese roots and traditions when she marries Lieutenant Pinkerton of the American Navy immediately captivated me.
As the opera starts, the matchmaker Goro is showing Pinkerton round the home he will share with Butterfly.
The marriage ceremony is beautifully portrayed amidst much excitement as the bride is prepared for her nuptials. The vibrant colours and costume design are mesmerising.
The arrival of Cio-Cio-San’s Uncle Bonze marks a change in mood as he clearly displays his intense displeasure with her choice of husband and her contradiction of ancient customs.
Despite her uncle’s anger Cio-Cio-San enters in to the marriage idealistically, for lifelong love. The flighty Pinkerton however sees the marriage as a short-lived affair. He inevitably leaves the country promising to return in one year. Three years later Cio-Cio-San is still patiently waiting, believing that one day he will return and they will be reunited. Cio-Cio-San’s servant Suzuki is her loyal companion during Pinkerton’s long absence
In Act 2 Consul Sharpless arrives announcing the expected arrival of an American ship, Cio-Cio-San is filled with joy at the prospect of the imminent return of her beloved husband. She proudly introduces Consul Sharpless to her and Pinkerton’s son: Sorrow. Consul Sharpless does not have the heart to destroy Butterfly’s joy, by sharing the news that Pinkerton has remarried whilst in America.
In anticipation of her husbands return Cio-Cio-San joyfully begins decorating her home with flowers. Whilst Suzuki and the child sleep Cio-Cio-San waits eagerly for Pinkerton's return. As the hours pass Cio-Cio-San gives in to exhaustion and joins her servant and child to sleep.
Sharpless and Pinkerton arrive at Cio-Cio-San’s home accompanied by Pinkerton’s new American wife. Cio-Cio-San is overjoyed when she wakes to hear her husband’s voice. Her joy at the sight of her beloved Pinkerton is clear to see. It is left to the ever-faithful Suzuki to explain to Cio-Cio-San the true intentions of Pinkerton’s visit. The realisation the he has not returned for her, but to take her son from her, and raise him with his new wife in America is met first with disbelief and then acceptance.
The overwhelming sorrow that Cio-Cio-San experiences at the loss of her son leads the heart-breaking climax of this sorrowful tale as she takes her own life.
I found the whole performance beautiful,mesmerising and ultimately painfully sad. The stage setting is simple and in fact the same for both acts. Clever lighting by Valeriu Cucarschi subtly uses shadow on the paper walls to give great visual impact. The Korean soprano Maria HeeJung Kim as Cio-Cio San gives an impressive performance, ably supported by Giorgio Meladze as Pinkerton and Zara Vardanean as Suzuki.
A mention must also go to Vasyl Vasylenko’s superb conducting of Puccini’s music.
It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with Ellen Kent after the performance and congratulate her on bringing together a very talented cast and succeeding in making opera accessible to the masses. I arrived as a first time opera goer and left as a firm fan – next stop Tosca!
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