February 25, 2005

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Classifieds

Palo Alto Online

Of passion and sentiment

by Jeanie Forte

The success of "Lucia di Lammermoor" in 1835 was a crowning moment in Gaetano Donizetti's already brilliant career as a composer, and it has gone on through the ages to become his best-known work.

It's such a perfect melding of libretto and music, of passion and sentiment, that audiences everywhere since have loved the spectacle and the artists who have interpreted it. Noted sopranos have vied for the chance to play tragic, mad Lucia and famous tunes from it have made their way into pop culture.

West Bay Opera's current rendition does it great justice, with loads of talent and excellent production values.

Star-crossed lovers Lucia (played alternately by Marnie Breckenridge and Saundra DeAthos) and Edgardo (Christopher Bengochea and Harold Gray Meers) are from two feuding families, and must keep their love secret.

But circumstances conspire against them, and Lucia is forced into a political marriage to save her brother, Enrico (Jordan Shanahan). This drives her into madness, sealing the fates of both herself and Edgardo.

A cautionary tale verging on melodrama, the piece still reminds us of the perils of prejudice and revenge, and the redemptive power of love if it is allowed to flourish.

Once again, West Bay Opera has double-cast several key roles. I'm not sure what the appeal is in doing that -- why not simply select the best talent available and let them shine? Overall the production I saw was excellent, with a wonderful roster of talented principal singers and an experienced ensemble -- but when I know that other audiences are seeing a decidedly different show, it sows seeds of comparison and doubt.

I saw DeAthos as Lucia, whose pure, angelic coloratura delivered the necessary vocal pyrotechnics with seeming ease. The part is a soprano's dream, demanding top vocal form as well as nuanced acting, and DeAthos is up to it on both counts. Her descent into madness was well-played, and matched by memorable scenes with her brother and the minister in Act II and Edgardo in Act I.

I also loved Shanahan as Enrico. His bold, resonant baritone perfectly suited the role, and he acted well as the misguided, self-serving brother, even managing to garner a bit of sympathy in Act II. The Chaplain is another demanding, emotionally conflicted role, quite ably portrayed and sung by Todd Robinson. His large, imposing figure adds heft to a complex character of menace and ministration.

Meers, as Edgardo, clearly had the vocal chops, but delivered an oddly flat portrayal, lacking the emotional depths the role demands. The famous final aria, "Tu che a Dio spiegasti l'ali," was rushed, which makes it difficult to bring out the intensity of emotion needed. Still, his beautiful lyric tenor is easy on the ears, and his duets with DeAthos are exquisite.

Secondary characters are also nicely drawn. Michael Mendelsohn does a fine job as Normanno, Patrice Houston shines as Alisa and Chad Millar is suitably nasty as Lord Arturo. West Bay Opera definitely attracts superior talent from both local and national pools.

"Chi mi frena in tal momento," the well-known sextet in Act II, was smooth and full, a marvelous blend of voices. And when the ensemble joins in, it's a glorious sound indeed, a superbly satisfying experience for opera lovers.

The abstract set is striking and evocative, but the costumes didn't seem to match. They're lovely in their own right, but seem to be designed for a different production. The patterns on the scrim during intervals are sometimes atmospheric, sometimes simply mystifying.

The pit orchestra sounded terrific under the baton of David Sloss -- what a fabulous group of musicians he has pulled together. They manage to sound like a much larger orchestra.

It made me again appreciate the existence of such a fine opera company in our midst.

What: "Lucia di Lammermoor," presented by West Bay Opera. Gaetano Donizetti's classic tale will be presented in Italian with English supertitles.

Where: Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto

When: Tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.

Cost: Tickets are $46, ($23 for youth under 17 or student with valid ID). For tickets or more information please call the West Bay Opera box office at (650) 424-9999, Monday-Friday, 1-6 p.m., or visit www.wbopera.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the Holt Building, 221 Lambert Ave. in Palo Alto.

Info: Call (650) 424-9999 or visit www.wbopera.org.

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