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Don Giovanni
Date of Show:
Thursday, 2nd September 2010 (All day)
Venue:
The National Theatre Don Giovanni by way of Don Draper.
For their annual mainstage production, The Opera School Melbourne has found a unique spin on the classic opera Don Giovanni. The young singers proved themselves to be more than capable of the material, presenting polished, engaging performances.The Don swings his way through the black and white mod world of the early 1960s, discovering women-on-the-verge-of-the-sexual-revolution-but-not-quite-there-yet. An achievement that is not to be taken for granted, the updated setting perfectly serves the story and characters.
The youth and beauty of the performers adds to the realism of the sexually charged shenanigans. Add to this a judiciously truncated score and lyrics sung in crisp, clear English and you have a brisk, highly entertaining rendition of the well known opera, in which new layers of humour and humiliation are revealed.
As well as coming up with the fabulous concept, director Cameron Menzies has clearly worked closely with the lead performers to develop distinct and developed characterisations. The series of conquests by Don Giovanni can tend to meld together but here the individual nature of each situation is quite apparent.
Menzies’ carefully chosen splashes of colour in the costumes stand out vividly against Amanda Henderson’s striking Florence Broadhurst inspired set. Voiles bearing giant black and white geometric designs glide in and out, effectively creating space and location. Robert Taylor’s elegant lighting design enhances the setting and mood. All white props, from guns to grapes, are a neat touch and the use of vintage costumes adds to the pleasure. The act one garden party scene could have been set at Roger Sterling’s country estate on Mad Men. The Fosse-like Frug choreography was another delightful touch.
Music preparation by Andrea Katz, Head of Music at the Opera School, is excellent. Conductor Trevor Jones leads a small but tight orchestra of extremely talented players, including Katz on harpsichord. Orchestral and vocal music blend perfectly, with all singers able to fill the considerable auditorium with apparent ease. The reduction in the amount of recitative helps the opera zip along like a greatest hits collection. Particular musical highlights were the act two sextet ‘Alone in this Dark Place’ and the ensemble finale.
Cameron Lukey performed the title role with a presence and confidence that belie his 23 years. His strong baritone voice a pleasure to hear throughout the opera, Lukey’s rendition of the act one ‘champagne aria’ was an absolute highlight. Nicholas Dinopoulos sparkles with comic invention as Giovanni’s manservant Leporello, here re-imagined as more of a best friend, riding the Don’s coattails and enjoying the spoils that are cast aside. The close age and friendship of the pair made Don Giovanni’s betrayal of Leporello all the more dramatic, almost more important in revealing Giovanni’s evil side than the murder of the Commendatore. Dinopoulos had the audience in the palm of his hand and he sings the bass role with assurance.
A standout among the uniformly strong female principals was Diipti Firmstone as Donna Anna. With a deceptive talent for making singing look effortless, Firmstone’s strong soprano voice rang out clearly and beautifully. Her expressive face aided her portrayal of the opera’s most sympathetic character. Sophie Yelland gave a composed, focused performance as Donna Elvira. Her singing with Lukey and Dinolpoulos in the opening trio of act two, ‘Ah, Be Quiet Unjust Heart’, was a beautiful example of voices and orchestra blending to perfection.Stacey Alleaume (Zerlina) and Nathan Lay (Masetto) were well matched in terms of acting as well as singing ability. Daniel Sinfield (Don Ottavio) stood out in his act two aria ‘My Treasure’. Guest Artist Steven Gallop added gravitas to the proceedings as the Commendatore, his bass voice all the more sonorous alongside the younger players.
Don Giovanni continues at the National Theatre tonight as well as two performances tomorrow. This is the ideal entrée for theatre fans who may not have tried opera before. Opera buffs will also enjoy the witty take on the classic tale and will one day be able to say of the talented cast “I saw them back when they were part of the Opera School…”.
State:
VIC