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Jeremy Brauner as Alfredo and Margaret Newcomb as Violetta Photo: Mark Brown for dell'Arte Opera Ensemble |
If I see and hear a performance of La Traviata and I'm not gushing about the Violetta, I don't call it a successful production. Consider this production very successful, then, because I was crazy about the Violetta of Margaret Newcomb. Miss Newcomb is beautiful in face and figure, and has a very strong stage presence. Most importantly, she can sing this fiendishly difficult role and make it seem like it's easy. Her high notes seemed free, her coloratura unforced, her middle voice rich and beautiful. I hope I'll hear a lot from this singer in coming seasons.
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Paul Khoury and Margaret Newcomb Photo: Mark Brown for dell'Arte Opera Ensemble |
Smaller roles were populated by eager and able younger dell'Arte artists, many of whom I'd love to hear again in the future, especially Nick Webb (Dr. Grenvil), Magda Gartner (Flora), and Natasha Nelson (Annina).
The technical and creative team deserve kudos for the beautiful production--especially Stage Director Kyle Pfortmillr, Scenic Designer James Fluhr, and Lighting Designer Mary Ellen Stebbins. Many a truly striking visual image was struck with a very simple set and lighting that seemed not terribly elaborate but truly effective. One of my favorite visual touches was a vase on a small table that remained on stage through every scene. It began the show with several camellias, but Violetta drew one camellia for each scene as a token of her love, leaving the vase (and Violetta?) empty at the end.
John Spencer led a small orchestra, and they usually played very well. One suspected more rehearsal might have done a lot of good.
There are more performances next weekend, and I highly recommend you see one if you can! dell'Arte also presents Massanet's Manon as part of its summer festival, as well as several concerts.
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