Lyric Opera of San Diego’s (LOSD) current production of “Man of La Mancha,” which continues through Oct. 7 at the Birch North Park Theatre, has many virtues, not the least of which is an extraordinary 15-piece orchestra under the baton of Chris Thompson. Thompson recently sang Prince Danilo in LOSD’s “Merry Widow.” Perhaps that accounts for his regard for and tender loving care of the singers.
As Aldonza/Dulcinea, truly a strumpet and the object of the delusional Don Quixote’s misplaced ardor, mezzo-soprano Audrey Babcock is quite simply the best this listener has ever heard sing this voice-destroying role, which is rangy and dramatic and difficult. She wisely utilizes little musical theater “belt” singing and minimal chest voice, allowing her to soar to the heights when Mitch Leigh’s musical score calls for it and also to clearly articulate Joe Darion’s angry lyrics and Dale Wasserman’s dialogue. The voice is supple and beautiful and so is Babcock, who wears Pam Stompoly-Ericson’s dynamite wig and sexy costumes like a gypsy.
As Quixote’s sidekick, Sancho Panza, Jimmy Ferraro is a real find, possessed of a lovely tenor voice, comic ability and the rotund, adorable form that goes with the role of a man, the disillusioned old man’s servant, who adores him and is willing to expedite his quest as he does battle with dragons that are truly windmills (the gobo lights on the theater walls are most effective).
Chris Stephens as the Innkeeper, Michael Dooling as Dr. Carrasco and Brian Imoto as The Barber deliver other standout performances. The entire company is full of character, sings beautifully and performs David Brannen’s choreography nimbly, though the “Little Bird” rape scene was not nearly so brutal as usual, perhaps in deference to LOSD’s family audience.
I’ve never heard Don Quixote/Cervantes’ text more clearly, dramatically and mellifluously spoken than it is by Leon Natker in the title role. In his 19th year as LOSD’s general director, Natker is long on theatrical savvy and musicality. Through sheer will and artistry alone, he almost, but not quite, convinces the listener that his baritone is in the pink. If only these ears could hear intent, the writer’s words would not come so reluctantly, nor the writer be so sad in the writing.
“Man of La Mancha” continues through Oct. 7 only. Remaining performances are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. tonight through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., San Diego.
For tickets and information, visit www.lyricoperasandiego.org or call (619) 239-8836.
