Geoffrey Agpalo as Alfredo is in awe of Violetta in Verdi’s “La Traviata” at Opera Theatre-St. Louis. Photo: Ken Howard
Lush and lovely in every way, Opera Theatre-St. Louis has opened their season with a beautiful production of Verdi’s classic tragic opera, “La Traviata.” From set to lighting to costumes to voices and acting, this is a simply splendid production from every aspect.
Sydney Mancasola as the stunning Violetta in the Opera Theatre-St. Louis production of “La Traviata.” Photo: Ken Howard
This time it ain’t over ’til the lithe, winsome lady sings. Sydney Mancasola is a wonderful Violetta and appropriately slight for the horrible things that are happening to her body- she is dying. Her clear as crystal soprano is a delight to listen to as she breezes through arias and duets with nuance and clarity. With those long legs and regal gait- even in the throes of consumption- she is perfection on stage.
Geoffrey Agpalo as Alfredo and Joo Won Kang as Giorgio in “La Traviata” at Opera Theatre-St. Louis. Photo: Ken Howard
Geoffrey Agpalo is her lover, Alfredo, who is infatuated with her and persuades her to leave Paris and join him in his country house. Agpalo’s bright tenor is a pleasing match to Mancasola’s soprano and their duets together are spectacular. Interference from his estranged father, Giorgio leads to a misunderstanding between the lovers that separates them. Joo Won Kang rounds out the trio of principles with his rich baritone while all three are as excellent acting as they are at singing- sometimes not always the case.
The secondary cast also holds court in both acting and singing categories. Simona Rose Genga is a powerful Annina, maid to Violetta while Andrew Munn handles the small but important role of Violetta’s doctor in the final act. Briana Hunter displays a lively spirit as Flora and Baron Douphol is the properly stuffy Jeff Byrnes. As always the rest of the singing cast is superb and the singing and dancing chorus is exquisite.
Briana Hunter as Flora dazzles the crowd in the Opera Theatre-St. Louis production of “La Traviata.” Photo: Ken Howard
Conductor Christopher Allen holds a strong baton for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra as they master the powerful and often playful score by Verdi and the libretto by Francesco Maria Piave is a good one as well. A renowned opera singer herself, Patricia Racette handles the directing duties and she has successfully handled that transition showing a strong knowledge of the material. Sean Curran does his usual excellent job as choreographer making the festive crowd scenes flow with the large cast.
Sydney Mancasola as Violetta in the second act masquerade party in “La Traviata” at Opera Theatre-St. Louis. Photo: Ken Howard
The stunning set design is by Laura Jellinek and her lovely backdrop of overlapping camellias are reminiscent of asGeorgia O’Keefe painting with the center blossom opening and closing for entrances and exits, including the stunning final scene as Violetta disappears into the flowers as the frozen tableau of her lover, maid and doctor overlook her deathbed. The one scene change in the second act runs smoothly as the rest of the set pieces are functional if not profound.
The costumes by Kaye Voyce are beautiful and Christopher Akerlind’s lights are nothing short of brilliant. You couldn’t ask for a more perfect evening at the opera where everything (despite a broken champagne glass in the first scene) runs as smooth as clockwork. A joyous cast and a classic tale (used as a basis for the Julia Roberts film, “Pretty Woman”) combine for heavenly sounds and story.
Andrew Munn as the doctor takes the pulse of Sydney Macasola (Violetta) as her maid, Simona Rose Genga looks on in the final act of “La Traviata” at Opera Theatre-St. Louis. Photo: Ken Howard
Opera Theatre-St. Louis is a quick season so you have to be on the ball. A good line up is coming up with “Regina,” “An American Soldier” and “Orfeo & Euridice” along with this superb “La Traviata,” which runs through June 23rd in repertory. Call 314-961-0644 for tickets or more information.
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