by Terry Ponick – Nov 25, 2015
Simple, straightforward staging, passionate singing make beloved Puccini favorite new once again.
FAIRFAX, Virginia, November 21, 2015 – As it presents its final performances of ‘La Bohème’ in Richmond this weekend, the Virginia Opera can congratulate itself on a job well done.Although this beloved audience favorite is getting far too many performances these days across the country, this Virginia Opera production, seen here at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts, managed to make Puccini’s bittersweet 1896 romance as well as its starving young artists fresh, new and tragic all over again, courtesy of Erhard Rom’s deceptively simple but evocative sets and the company’s cast of fine young singer-actors.
Parks plays Marcello, for which Opera News praised him in an earlier production as “the most compelling performance of the night,” noting that his “warm, velvety baritone filled the house as he portrayed the frustrations of a passionate man.” He also hit a career high point this year as the top baritone in Placido Domingo’s Operalia Competition.
La Bohème” explores the tragic love affair between the poet, Rodolfo, and the consumptive needle worker Mimi, which, of course, is doomed to end badly by the final curtain. In between, however, we’re graced with some of the most wonderful characters and music ever created in the world of opera.
As Rodolfo, tenor Jason Slaydon was perfect as the opera’s romantic male lead. With a supple voice and with his matinee idol good looks, Mr. Slaydon was eminently believable as the good-hearted but clumsy-in-love poet. His passion was real, his heartbreak was visceral, and his vocal command of this role was beyond question.
As Mimi, soprano Elaine Alvarez was appropriately timid, yet also passionate, greeting her sudden, surprise romance with open arms and embracing Rodolfo and his generally unserious pals without question or hesitation. Ms. Alvarez’ instrument is both expressive and substantial. Yet she also knew how to pull her vocal punches at key moments, making her consumptive character all that more believable.
The supporting cast, particularly the coquettish Musetta (soprano Zulimar López-Hernández) and her much put-upon Marcello (baritone Edward Parks), backed up the leads in character roles that were convincingly acted and sung, with Ms. López-Hernández notable for her dramatic flair and Mr. Parks as convincing and sympathetic a best-buddy as we’ve ever seen in this opera.
Ditto for baritone Andrew McLaughlin (Schaunard) and bass-baritone Keith Brown (Colline). Although Mr. Brown’s role was a small one, he still impressed in Colline’s famous area where he bids a solemn farewell to his beloved coat (“Vecchia zimarra, senti”), sold to buy medicine for Mimi.
Under the baton of music director Adam Turner, the orchestra performed with dignity, grace and subtle passion, only rolling over the singers on one or two brief occasions. Direction by Kyle Lang was as it should be in this opera—unobtrusive yet freewheeling, giving Puccini’s youthful characters all the latitude they need as they move inexorably from a poverty-stricken but carefree youth toward an adulthood that must inevitably confront mortality.
For tickets and information visit vaopera.org or call 866.673.7282.