Opera fans looking for a good old-fashioned potboiler will find it all in Virginia Opera’s current production of “Tosca.”
Opening its 27th season on Friday with this Puccini favorite, the company has assembled a superb cast of singers that combine strong acting with the kind of emotional intensity this opera demands.
This season’s reigning couple is Fabiana Bravo as Tosca and Frank Porretta as her lover, Cavaradossi. Bravo and Porretta sang beautifully together; their voices matched in timbre and volume. Artistic Director Peter Mark has engaged them for several future productions.
Bravo’s polished acting abilities matched her dramatic, expressive voice. With dark eyes flashing and a temperament that went from jealous rage to sweetness, she brought Tosca’s full emotional palette to the surface.
Porretta combined stage presence and a great sound as well. His looks hint at those of tenor Placido Domingo, and he knows how to shape his powerful voice and sustain a note. He’s an exciting find for this company.
The pair soared in their scenes together; there was even that slight competitive edge that adds to the thrill of a finely sung duet.
Rounding out the trio of fine principals was Guido LeBron as Scarpia, the evil police chief. LeBron’s sinister appearance and the dark shading in his voice made him a formidable foe.
Mark knows this score well, and the orchestra matched the singing onstage in beautifully executed melodies and emotional tension. Mark also has re- engaged stage director Dorothy Danner, who injects plenty of realism into the work. She was adept at moving large groups of children around the stage but equally sharp in choreographing chilling moments. The Act II scene between Scarpia and Tosca bristled with sexuality and terror.
Some strong singers in secondary roles, including Terry Hodges as Angelotti and Randall Mayo as the Sacristan, contributed to this overall fine production.
Production values are unusual high as well. Michael Yeargan’s set used blood-red and other bold colors and unusual angles to underscore the harshness of the story. And lighting designer Marcus Doshi made a real statement with dark backgrounds and bright spotlights.
Seasoned opera-goers as well as newcomers should find plenty to savor in this exciting opening production.
WANT TO GO?
* Additional performances of Virginia Opera’s “Tosca” are at 2:30 p.m. today and Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and 8 p.m. Friday in the Harrison Opera House, Llewellyn Avenue and Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk.
* Tickets are $22-$79 available by calling 623-1223 or 877-2550.
David Nicholson can be reached at 247-4794 or by email at dnicholson@dailypress.com.
