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This review is reprinted in OperaNotes, courtesy of Kathy Alter, The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. OperaNotes chose to reprint this article to celebrate the success of up-and-coming New York soprano, Cheryl Evans.
“La Traviata” opens season strong
Few low points in well-known opera
By Kathy Alter
The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS – It’s a classic plot: a courtesan with a
heart of gold, beautiful but far too touchable for any respectable man to
consider as a love interest.
The classic themes, of course, get told and retold, as with Alexandre Dumas’ “La Dame aux Camelias.” Based on a real-life 19th-century French courtesan and her early demise from tuberculosis, Dumas’ novel had barely been translated for the stage when Giuseppe Verdi, already the king of Italian opera, set the story to his incomparable score and created “La Traviata,” one of the best-loved operas in history.
Daniel Kleinknecht, executive director of Cedar Rapids Opera
Theatre (CROT), chose “La Traviata” as this season’s opener partly because
of its well-deserved lofty position in the hearts of opera lovers.
In difficult economic times, it’s prudent to stage a sure winner.
But if you pick a sure winner, it’s also prudent to ensure
the performance is exceptional, because the opera-goer will likely have memories
of other productions to draw on for comparison.
The CROT production should suffer little by comparison
because it is exceptional.
Cheryl Evans, as the courtesan* Violetta, has a warm, lilting
soprano that blends beautifully with the rich tenor of Raul Melo, as the
respectable Alfredo. Their duets,
from those full of joy to those filled with tender regrets and remorse, are
wonderful.
Andrew Krikawa, as Alfredo’s father, has an enchanting
baritone that proves a lovely counterpart to Evans’ voice in their duets.
Cedar Rapids’ own Janara Kellerman is captivating in the
role of Flora. Though only onstage
for a short time, Kellerman makes the most of it with a vibrant performance as
Violetta’s party-loving friend.
The orchestra also shines in this production, which is no
surprise since so many of the names appearing in the program also appear in the
Cedar Rapids Symphony programs.
The score swoops and soars, just as it should, in the hands
of these capable, talented singers and musicians.
Any flaws or faults, of which there were few, have more
to do with the incidentals than with the performances: Violetta’s costumes could suit her better; staging in the
garden scene is too shallow; lighting is a bit dim in some scenes.
Despite its tragic ending, “La Traviata” is a
delight from beginning to end.
One more performance will be staged today at 2 p.m. at Theater Cedar Rapids, 102 Thrid Street,