Set in 15th-century Spain, Giuseppe Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” had its 1853 premiere in Rome to immediate success. Yet nowhere are those two locales visible in San Diego Opera’s production of the Italian opera that continues Friday, Sunday and Wednesday at the Civic Theatre.
This “Trovatore” is out of a completely different world. Its enormity fits the history of Verdi’s astoundingly popular work. Directed by Stephen Lawless and conducted by Edoardo Muller, the work is based on the play “El Trovador” by Antonio Garcia Guitierréz. The dramatic feel of an age-old theatrical work is evident in the Opera’s production of the Verdi classic. “Il Trovatore” is known as one of the most melodramatic works in opera. San Diego’s production manages melodrama without overacting.
Tenor Dario Volonté, who portrays Manrico, only arrived last week after scheduled cast member Nicola Rossi Giordano had to step down for immediate vocal rest. After taking his place on stage, Volonté showed his passion for the opera company he first worked with in 2004 with “Turandot.”
These actors inhabit their roles and remind us why opera is such a joy. Viable story lines are wonderful, but with Verdi’s melodies and the singers on the Civic Theatre stage, nothing else mattered. With the storyline that runs the gamut from revenge to rivalry, this work that ranks as one of Verdi’s most performed operas is ripe for the talent any cast brings to its soaring score. Although a certain amount of suspension of disbelief definitely aids the process of enjoying “Il Trovatore,” as in any theater production, its joy is never hurt by the borderline ridiculousness of the plot.
The production that was originally created in 1998 for the Los Angeles Opera brings its original director, Lawless, and Benoit Dugardyn’s sets to the Civic Theatre for three more performances this weekend. The sets were impressive and so dauntingly huge that they seemed to cause technical problems occasionally without being overly distracting. Comprising stage-to-ceiling solid wood that recalls an era where the fort defined architecture, Dugardyn has brought another world to “Il Trovatore” than the usual castle-themed backdrop.
The most striking difference in this production for any “Il Trovatore” connoisseur is an early moment in the production ” “The Anvil Chorus.” Instead of the beat driven with metal on anvils, San Diego Opera’s “Trovatore” brings the metal with soldiers and gypsies smacking their swords into one another. Some purists may miss the clank of the classic titular metallic piece made into an instrument by Verdi.
Swords are prevalent throughout the production beyond the famous chorus and dot the stage from the moment the audience enters the theater. That metallic scenery makes for an incredible opportunity to give fresh lighting design to a production performed a million times.
Lawless’ directing is even-handed and the cast responds to his smooth presence. Added in only the last week, Volonté has stepped up to the plate and delivered as only the professional could.
Alexandru Agache’s baritone was seamless as Count di Luna, and his frequent onstage partner, Ferrando, inhabited beautifully by Hao Jiang Tian, showcased his booming bass that stole various scenes.
In the final act, Verdi’s building of musical plot movement is pulling toward a swell. And San Diego Opera has delivered, yet again with an ensemble that is cohesive and with a presence that serves as a collective character all unto itself.
The brightest star in this world was Paoletta Marrocu, who shines in her company debut as Leonora, the object of affection of both men. Her angelic voice is a gift to San Diego audiences and her dramatic fierceness brings Leonora’s tragic decision in act three to an emotional explosion. As Azucena, the puppet master in this tale, American mezzo-soprano Marianne Cornetti portrays her as a commanding, yet frail figure, by infusing deep vocal nuances and a thespian power that is immense ” much like this San Diego Opera production.
“Il Trovatore” will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday, March 30; at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 1; and finally at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 4. The Civic Theatre is located at 1100 Third Avenue, downtown. For tickets and information, call (619) 533-7000.
